Optically Controlled Phase Shifter for Antenna Beam Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering technologies face challenges in efficiently controlling and configuring phase shifts for radio frequency to terahertz antennas, with high complexity and cost due to the need for precise optical control and high illumination power.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an optical lens and an optoelectronic phase shifter in a reflective array, where the optical lens focuses controlling radiation onto the phase shifter to achieve a configurable phase shift field, reducing complexity and power requirements through focused illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beam steering technologies are used to control phase shifts for radio frequency to terahertz antennas, then beam control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for precise optical control and high illumination power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical phase control systems with an optoelectronic phase shifter that uses optical illumination to control radio frequency phase. The optical lens focuses light onto the phase shifter, which then modulates the RF signal phase electronically, substituting mechanical phase shifters with an optically-controlled electronic device that reduces complexity while maintaining beam control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from direct mechanical or electrical phase adjustment to optical illumination intensity and positioning. By focusing optical radiation onto specific regions of the optoelectronic phase shifter, the system controls the phase shift parameter of the RF signal, enabling simpler and more adaptable beam steering
2Reliability
If conventional beam steering technologies are used to control phase shifts for radio frequency to terahertz antennas, then beam control functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases due to high illumination power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical lens acts as an intermediary that focuses and concentrates the illumination power onto the optoelectronic phase shifter. This intermediary component enables efficient power transfer from the light source to the phase control element, reducing the total illumination power required while maintaining effective phase control for beam steering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power delivery mechanism from direct high-power illumination to focused optical delivery through a lens. By concentrating the optical energy onto the phase shifter, the system achieves the same phase control effect with lower total power consumption, improving energy efficiency
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, adaptive, and high-performance beam control with reduced power consumption and complexity, suitable for applications like imaging, telecommunications, and sensing, while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
an optoelectronic phase shifter in a feed point of the antenna element and in a focus of the optical lens
Implementation Method 2
an optical lens and a first optoelectronic phase shifter in a feed point of the antenna element and in a focus of the optical lens
Data Source
AI summary
To increase efficiency of optical control of phase shifting elements, arrangements comprising optical lenses are presented. The optical lenses may be arranged in reflective arrays so as to focus light from a light source on a phase shifting element, which may be placed in a feed point of an antenna, such as for example a lithographic antenna. In some embodiments, thus both optical controlling radiation and radio frequency, RF, power are concentrated in substantially the same place.