Optical Scanner With Deflecting Micromirrors For Large Area Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D scanners, such as those used in LIDAR systems, face issues with compactness, alignment sensitivity, heating damage, and limited scanning space due to the use of multiple micromirrors or phase-control optical arrays.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanner with a support and a plurality of elementary scanners, each comprising a movable beam with a phase-control array and optical phase shifters, where the movable parts have different deflections due to internal stresses, allowing for a larger scanning area without the need for precise micromirror alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple micromirrors are used to scan a surface, then the scanning capability is improved, but the device compactness deteriorates and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the scanning function into multiple elementary scanners, each with a single micromirror and associated optical components. This segmentation allows each unit to be compact while the collective array provides enhanced scanning capability through phased control of multiple beams
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from scanning in a single dimension with one micromirror to scanning in multiple dimensions simultaneously using an array of micromirrors with different orientation angles. This dimensional expansion enables broader scanning coverage while maintaining individual mirror compactness
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple micromirrors are used to scan a surface, then the scanning capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the orientation angle parameter of each micromirror in the array to a specific value different from others. This parameter differentiation allows each mirror to scan a distinct angular sector, eliminating the need for precise alignment between mirrors while maintaining overall scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
Each micromirror in the array is assigned a specific local quality characteristic - a unique orientation angle - that differentiates its function. This local differentiation enables independent operation of each element without requiring global alignment precision across the entire array
3Volume of moving object
If a single micromirror pivots about two non-parallel axes to scan a surface, then the device compactness is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to heating damage and mechanical crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the scanning function across multiple micromirrors, each pivoting about a single axis. This distribution reduces the thermal load and mechanical stress on each individual mirror compared to a single mirror performing all scanning movements, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical dual-axis pivoting system with an array of single-axis mirrors controlled by electronic phased arrays. This substitution eliminates the mechanical crosstalk inherent in dual-axis systems while maintaining compactness through the array configuration
4Volume of moving object
If a single micromirror pivots about two non-parallel axes, then the device compactness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the orientation angle parameter of each micromirror to a specific value that is different from others in the array. This parameter variation allows each mirror to operate independently at its optimal angle, eliminating the need for precise alignment between mirrors while maintaining compact device volume
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 scanning of a larger surface area while maintaining compactness and simplicity, reducing the risk of heating damage and alignment issues, and eliminating mechanical crosstalk.
Implementation Method 1
a beam (30) provided with a movable part (36) on which bending can be imposed
Implementation Method 2
a phase-control array that comprises a plurality of optical phase shifters each coupled to a waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner is provided with a plurality of elementary scanners each able to scan a different surface by means of a light beam. Each elementary scanner comprises a beam, for example a vibrating beam, on or in which a phase-controlled array is formed, intended to extract, at a face of the beam, a light beam able to be emitted by a light source. At least one beam of one of the elementary scanners, referred to as the first scanner, has, at rest, a deflection different from that of the beams of the other elementary scanners. This arrangement enables the first scanner to scan a surface, referred to the first surface, different from that scanned by the other elementary scanners. The optical scanner according to the present invention makes it possible to cover a relatively large surface while keeping appreciable compactness.