Optical Phase Matrix with Non-Parallel Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic wavefront emission devices face limitations in scanning range and suffer from beam replication phenomena, which are undesirable in remote sensing applications, particularly limiting the detection distance and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least three non-parallel transmission waveguides, each equipped with optical couplers and phase-shifting elements, allows for adjustable coupling rates and phase shifts, enabling control of the main emission direction in multiple planes and reducing beam replication by bringing extraction elements closer together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a matrix of nano-antennas with phase-shifting elements is used to achieve wide scanning range, then the scanning amplitude of angle θ is improved, but beam replication phenomenon occurs resulting in secondary beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional matrix arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by introducing non-coplanar waveguide paths. The rectilinear sections are arranged in at least two different planes, creating a volumetric structure that eliminates beam replication while preserving wide scanning capability. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve the desired angular coverage without the harmful secondary beams that plague planar configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of the rectilinear sections, where at least two sections extend along straight lines that are not mutually parallel and are not coplanar. This asymmetric, non-uniform geometry disrupts the periodicity that causes beam replication in regular matrices, while still enabling controlled phase shifting to achieve wide scanning range in multiple planes.
2Area of stationary object
If extraction elements are brought closer together to reduce beam replication, then device area is reduced, but addressing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging extraction elements in three-dimensional space across multiple non-coplanar planes rather than in a flat two-dimensional grid, the patent achieves higher spatial density without proportionally increasing addressing complexity. The non-parallel rectilinear sections naturally segment the element groups, providing a hierarchical addressing scheme that scales more efficiently than conventional planar arrays.
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 configuration achieves a wide scanning range without beam replication, enhancing detection distance and accuracy in remote sensing applications, such as LIDAR, by controlling the orientation of the main emission direction and reducing secondary beam interference.
Implementation Method 1
each optical coupler having an adjustable coupling rate
Implementation Method 2
phase shifting elements for controlling relative shifts in the optical phase of the light beams emitted by said elementary sources
Implementation Method 3
Each transmission waveguide has an upstream portion, receiving a phase-shifting element, and a straight downstream portion, receiving an optical power extraction network
Implementation Method 4
The elementary sources together form, in the far field and through constructive and destructive interference phenomena, a predetermined distribution of the electromagnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~5D
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (200) for emitting an electromagnetic wavefront, designed, in use, to be connected to a light source (10) emitting a light beam (11), and comprising: - at least three emission waveguides (220), each having a straight section (223) that receives one or more optical power extraction elements (230); - upstream of each of said straight sections, a phase-shifting element (222) and an optical coupler (260) with an adjustable coupling ratio. At least two of the straight sections (223) extend along lines that are not parallel to each other. An orientation of a main emission beam, defined in the far field, is selected by adjusting the coupling ratio of each of the optical couplers and the phase shift provided by the phase-shifting elements receiving optical power. The invention is particularly advantageous in the context of remote sensing.