Optical Phase Array Cascaded Tree Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical phase arrays require complex electric control and high power consumption for beam steering, especially as the number of channels increases, due to the need for multiple voltage signals and phase shifters, which limits steering speed and increases fabrication challenges.
Innovation Solution
A cascaded phase shifting architecture using a tree configuration of 1×2 optical splitters and phase shifters, where each stage of the network provides a constant phase difference, allowing continuous steering with a single input signal and reducing the number of required phase shifters and voltages, while maintaining robustness and simplicity in design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate phase shifters are used in each channel to control phase independently, then phase control precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase control function into multiple stages, where each stage handles a portion of the total phase shift requirement. Instead of using N-1 independent phase shifters for N channels, the invention uses log2(N) stages with progressively fewer phase shifters in each subsequent stage, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise phase control through the staged approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional approach (N-1 phase shifters in a single row) to a two-dimensional staged architecture. Phase shifters are arranged in multiple stages where each stage processes a subset of channels, creating a hierarchical structure that reduces the total number of phase shifters required while maintaining full phase control capability across all N channels.
2Measurement precision
If multiple voltage signals are applied to phase shifters for beam steering, then beam steering precision is improved, but power consumption and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage control signal is segmented and applied hierarchically across multiple stages. Each stage receives a subset of the total voltage signals required, with later stages receiving fewer signals than earlier stages. This staged voltage application reduces the total number of voltage signals that need to be generated and managed, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining precise beam steering control through the cumulative effect of all stages.
3Length of moving object
If the number of channels N increases to obtain narrower beams, then beam width is improved, but device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the scaling problem by introducing a staged hierarchical architecture that grows logarithmically rather than linearly with the number of channels. When N increases, the number of stages increases as log2(N), and each subsequent stage has fewer phase shifters than the previous stage. This dimensional reorganization allows the device to scale to larger N values without proportionally increasing overall complexity, enabling narrower beams for larger N while keeping fabrication challenges manageable.
4Device complexity
If cascaded phase shifting architecture is used with single input signal, then device complexity is reduced, but fabrication sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cascaded phase shifting architecture into multiple independent stages, where each stage can be designed and fabricated with standardized components. This segmentation allows for modular fabrication approaches and simplifies the manufacturing process for each individual stage, reducing overall fabrication sensitivity despite the cascaded structure. Each stage processes a subset of channels with its own phase shifters, making the system more robust to fabrication variations in any single stage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient and continuous beam steering with reduced power consumption and complexity, improving the scalability and reliability of optical phase arrays by using a cascaded tree configuration of 1×2 optical splitters and phase shifters, allowing for precise control of beam direction with fewer voltage signals and phase shifters.
Implementation Method 1
An integrated photonic network with n stages of optical splitters, the optical splitters being 1×2 optical splitters... Each output of the N outputs may differ from a neighbouring output of the N outputs by a constant phase difference (Δφ)
Implementation Method 2
The first output of each optical splitter of the 2i-1 optical splitters being optically coupled to a first waveguide, and the second output of each optical splitter of the 2i-1 optical splitters being optically coupled to a second waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments may provide an optical phase array. The optical phase array may include a laser source configured to emit a laser. The optical phase array may further include an integrated photonic network with n stages of optical splitters, the optical splitters being 1 χ 2 optical splitters, each optical splitter of the integrated photonic network having an input, a first output, and a second output. The integrated photonic network may be configured to separate the laser into N outputs. Each output of the N outputs may differ from a neighbouring output of the N outputs by a constant phase difference (Δφ). N may be equal to 2 to the power of n.