Two-Dimensional Optical Phased Array with M+N Control Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional optical phased arrays require M×N independent control units, making them bulky and inefficient due to the need for individual control of each array element.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional optical phased array design comprising a first phased array with an optical coupler, beam splitter, and phase shifters, and a second phased array with a strip transparent electrode array and phase shifting medium, allowing for independent phase control of laser beams using thermo-optic or electro-optic effects, thereby optimizing beam deflection and scanning with fewer control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each array element is independently controlled, then beam deflection precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the M×N array elements into M row groups and N column groups. Instead of independently controlling each element, phase shifters are applied at the row and column group levels. This segmentation reduces the control units from M×N to M+N while maintaining beam deflection capability through coordinated row-column phase modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions by applying phase shifters to entire rows and columns rather than individual elements. The phase modulation at row and column levels is combined to achieve two-dimensional beam steering, effectively merging M×N independent controls into M+N collective controls that achieve the same functional outcome.
2Adaptability or versatility
If M×N independent control units are used, then individual element control capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control structure is segmented into row-level and column-level phase shifters. Instead of powering M×N independent control units, the system uses M+N phase shifters that collectively control all array elements. This segmentation dramatically reduces power consumption while preserving the ability to independently modulate phase across the two-dimensional array through the combination of row and column phase adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Each row phase shifter and column phase shifter serves multiple array elements simultaneously. The row phase shifters control all elements in their respective rows, and column phase shifters control all elements in their respective columns. This multi-functionality allows M+N control units to perform the work of M×N units, reducing overall power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional two-dimensional optical phased array structure is used, then beam scanning capability is achieved, but array module size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the two-dimensional array into row groups and column groups, with phase shifters applied at these segmented levels. This segmentation allows the system to achieve two-dimensional beam scanning without requiring physical separation of M×N independent control units, thereby reducing the overall array module size while maintaining full scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges row and column phase control functions into a unified M+N control architecture. By combining the phase modulation capabilities of row and column phase shifters, the system achieves two-dimensional beam scanning in a compact configuration, eliminating the need for bulky M×N independent control unit arrangements.
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 design achieves efficient two-dimensional laser beam scanning with a high side lobe suppression ratio and reduced power consumption, enabling a more compact and cost-effective solution by requiring only M+N control units, compared to M×N units in conventional arrays.
Implementation Method 1
the phase shifter can independently control the phase of light waves in each of the optical waveguides through thermo-optic effect, electro-optic effect or other methods
Implementation Method 2
the phase shifter can independently control the phase of light waves in each of the optical waveguides through thermo-optic effect, electro-optic effect or other methods
Implementation Method 3
The light-emitting unit can be an emitting grating, and the light wave in the optical waveguide can be emitted perpendicularly to the first phased array
Implementation Method 4
The phase shifting medium can be the liquid crystal or an electro-optic polymer, being configured to control the phase of the light wave
Data Source
AI summary
A two-dimensional optical phased array, including a first phased array and a second phased array disposed on the first phased array. The first phased array includes an optical coupler, a beam splitter, a plurality of phase shifters, and a plurality of light-emitting units. The second phased array includes a strip transparent electrode array, a phase shifting medium, and a transparent electrode disposed on the phase shifting medium. The strip transparent electrode array is disposed on the light-emitting units. The phase shifting medium is disposed on the strip transparent electrode array. The light-emitting units is configured to produce a laser beam which is incident to the second phased array via the strip transparent electrode array and emitted via the transparent electrode on the phase shifting medium.