Optical Phased Array Hyperbolic Phase Envelope Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in precisely focusing and steering electromagnetic radiation beams to a desired focal spot depth without using lenses or moving mechanical parts.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical phased array structures with hyperbolic phase envelopes allows for the creation of focusing and diverging emissions in one and two dimensions, enabling dynamic adjustment of focal points in three dimensions by tuning phase fronts and adjusting grating periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lenses or moving mechanical parts are used to focus and steer electromagnetic radiation beams, then precise focusing at desired focal spot depth is achieved, but device complexity and mechanical reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focusing systems (lenses and moving parts) with an optical phased array that uses electronic phase control of multiple emitters. The hyperbolic phase envelope is generated by electronically adjusting the phase of each emitter element, eliminating the need for mechanical movement while achieving precise focal spot control through constructive interference of electromagnetic waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is divided into multiple discrete emitter elements arranged in an array. Each emitter can be independently phase-controlled, allowing the system to synthesize complex wavefronts (including hyperbolic phase envelopes) through coherent combination of individual emitter outputs. This segmentation enables electronic beam steering and focusing without mechanical components.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical parts are used to adjust focal length and location, then focusing control is achieved, but speed of adjustment and system reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical phased array implements dynamic focusing and beam steering through electronic phase modulation of emitter elements. By rapidly changing the phase distribution across the array (including hyperbolic phase envelopes), the system can instantly reposition focal spots and adjust focal lengths without mechanical movement, achieving microsecond or nanosecond-scale response times.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical adjustment mechanisms are completely replaced by electronic phase control circuits that can modify the phase of each emitter element independently and rapidly. This substitution enables fast, programmable control of focal spot position and depth without the inertia and mechanical wear associated with traditional systems.
3Measurement precision
If hyperbolic phase envelopes are used to create focusing emissions, then focal spot precision is improved, but phase control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the phase parameter of each emitter element to generate hyperbolic phase envelopes. By programming specific phase distributions (φ(x,y) = k√(x²+y²+z²) for hyperbolic focusing), the system creates precise focal spots through constructive interference. The phase control complexity is managed through digital signal processing and lookup tables that translate desired focal positions into required phase patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The hyperbolic phase envelope pattern is generated by copying and adapting standard phase distribution formulas from wave optics theory. Pre-calculated phase tables for various focal positions and depths are stored and applied, reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining precise focal spot generation through replicated phase patterns.
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 approach enables precise focusing and steering of electromagnetic radiation without mechanical parts, allowing for quick changes in focal length and location, and improving the depth of focus and spot size control.
Implementation Method 1
hyperbolic phase envelopes are employed to create focusing and diverging emissions in one and two dimensions. Tuning the phase fronts moves focal point spot in depth and across the array
Implementation Method 2
grating emitters are also used to emit light upward (out of plane). Adjusting the period of the gratings along the light propagation direction results in focusing the light emitted from the gratings
Implementation Method 3
hyperbolic delay function is imposed upon the array of phase-controlled emitters. The travel time from the source to a single common focal point is substantially the same for all emitted light
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure describe optical phased array structures and devices in which hyperbolic phase envelopes are employed to create focusing and diverging emissions in one and two dimensions. Tuning the phase fronts moves focal point spot in depth and across the array. Grating emitters are also used to emit light upward (out of plane). Adjusting the period of the gratings along the light propagation direction results in focusing the light emitted from the gratings. Changes in the operating wavelengths employed moves the focal spot along the emitters.