Adjustable Optical Phase Shifter Array for Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical phase shifter arrays face challenges with phase errors due to manufacturing uniformity and environmental changes, leading to complex and time-consuming calibration processes, especially with large numbers of antennas, and existing phase shifters like electro-optic and thermal phase shifters have limitations in efficiency and control precision.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable optical phase shifter array with multiple stages of optical-splitting elements and phase shifters connected in series, using thermal and electro-optic effects to generate phase shifts, with fine-tuning capabilities to correct phase errors and steer beams efficiently, incorporating metal conductive wires and semiconductor materials for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of optical antennas are used to reduce beam divergence angle, then beam concentration is improved, but the number of phase shifters increases leading to complex and time-consuming calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase shifters into multiple stages (first stage, second stage, third stage) with each stage containing a specific number of phase shifters (e.g., 8, 16, 32). This segmentation allows for hierarchical calibration where each stage can be calibrated independently, reducing the overall calibration complexity while maintaining high beam concentration with a large total number of phase shifters (e.g., 256 or more optical antennas).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary calibration actions at each stage before final beam formation. Each stage's phase shifters are pre-calibrated to correct phase errors systematically, which simplifies the final overall calibration process. This preliminary action approach allows the system to handle large numbers of antennas without proportionally increasing calibration complexity.
2Measurement precision
If electro-optic phase shifters are used to change refractive index, then phase control precision is improved, but optical waveguide length must be increased leading to higher loss and larger area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermal phase shifters that change the refractive index of optical waveguides through temperature control rather than requiring long electro-optic waveguides. By controlling the temperature of heating wires positioned near the waveguides, the system achieves precise phase control without increasing waveguide length, thereby avoiding increased optical propagation loss and chip area occupation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal phase shifters are used to heat optical waveguide, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature control accuracy and thermal crosstalk become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions heating wires locally near specific optical waveguides they are intended to heat, rather than using a uniform heating approach. This localized heating strategy improves temperature control accuracy for each individual waveguide while minimizing thermal crosstalk between adjacent waveguides. The system achieves energy-efficient thermal phase shifting with precise local temperature control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical beam steering is used to steer LiDAR beam, then beam steering capability is achieved, but system size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with an optical phase array system that uses phase shifters to electronically control beam direction. By using phase modulation through thermal or electro-optic effects in a fixed optical configuration, the system achieves beam steering capability without moving parts, significantly reducing system size and energy consumption while eliminating mechanical wear and vibration issues.
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
The solution enables precise beam steering and forming with reduced complexity and power consumption, improving beam concentration and stability by evenly distributing input light and adjusting phase shifts across multiple stages, effectively addressing phase error calibration challenges and enhancing the performance of LiDAR and microwave phase arrays.
Implementation Method 1
optical-splitting elements of a plurality of stages and phase shifters of a plurality of stages connected thereto in series so as to evenly distribute an input light to a plurality of phase-adjustable optical waveguides
Implementation Method 2
An electro-optic phase shifter can change the concentration of the free carriers of an optical waveguide by applying an electric field, such that the effective refraction index of the optical waveguide can be changed in order to achieve the objective of altering the phase of the optical wave
Implementation Method 3
a thermal phase shifter can change the effective refraction index of an optical waveguide via the temperature of thermos-optic effect by heating the optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
An optical phase shifter array includes: 1st˜nth optical-splitting elements, wherein each has an input end, a first output end and a second output end, and the input end of the 1st optical-splitting element receives an input light and outputs an evenly distributed optical signal to the optical-splitting element of the next stage, and n is a positive integer above 1; a plurality of first optical waveguides respectively connected to the input end of the optical-splitting element odd-numbered of the next stage and the first output end of the optical-splitting element of the previous stage; a plurality of second optical waveguides respectively connected to the input end of the optical-splitting-element even-numbered of the previous stage; and phase shifters of the 1st to the kth stage, which makes the optical signal passing through the optical waveguides produce a phase shift by heating or electro-optic effects.