Optical Scanning Device With Waveguide Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning devices face complexity in configuration and are not robust against vibrations, with complications arising from the need for rotating mirrors and complex wiring in phased arrays, limiting their ability to perform efficient two-dimensional scans over large ranges.
Innovation Solution
The use of waveguide elements with a pair of mirrors and an optical guide layer, where one mirror has higher light transmittance, allows for one-dimensional and two-dimensional scans by adjusting the refractive index, thickness, or wavelength of the optical guide layer, and controlling phase differences between lights supplied to the waveguide elements, simplifying the device configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotating mirrors are used to perform light scanning, then light scanning capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and robustness against vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mirror system with an optical phased array system that uses electronic phase control. Instead of mechanically rotating mirrors to change beam direction, the invention uses phase shifters to electronically control the phase of light at each antenna element, achieving beam steering without moving parts. This substitution of mechanical system with optical/electronic system resolves the contradiction by maintaining scanning capability while reducing mechanical complexity and improving vibration robustness.
2Ease of operation
If optical phased array with nano-photonic antenna elements and phase shifters is used, then light scanning is achieved, but device complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple antenna elements into a unified optical waveguide structure. Instead of having separate phase shifters and wiring for each antenna element, the invention integrates phase control into the waveguide system itself, where a single input beam is distributed across multiple output ports that correspond to different scanning directions. This merging of functions reduces the overall device complexity and eliminates the need for complex individual wiring at each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical component that performs multiple functions: beam splitting, phase modulation, and directional control are all achieved within a single integrated waveguide structure. The optical phased array uses a common input beam that is universally processed through the waveguide system to produce multiple output beams in different directions, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each function and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If complex wiring and phase shifting at each antenna element is implemented, then precise beam control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical waveguide into multiple discrete output ports, each corresponding to a specific scanning direction. This segmentation allows precise beam control by directing light to specific ports without requiring complex wiring or phase shifters at each element. The segmentation is achieved through the waveguide structure itself, which naturally divides the input beam into multiple output paths with controlled phases and directions, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precision.
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 efficient two-dimensional scanning with reduced light loss and complexity, making the optical scanning device more robust and capable of performing scans over larger ranges without the need for complex wiring or phase shifting at each antenna element.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical guide regions positioned between the first surface of the first structure body and the second surface of the second structure body, the one or more optical guide regions including a liquid crystal material, and a first alignment film disposed on the first surface and aligning the liquid crystal material, the first alignment film being a rubbing alignment film
Implementation Method 2
the optical device further includes a second alignment film that is an optical alignment film formed by irradiation with polarized light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first structure body with a first surface, a second structure body with a second surface facing the first surface, one or more optical guide regions positioned between the first surface of the first structure body and the second surface of the second structure body, the one or more optical guide regions including a liquid crystal material, and a first alignment film disposed on the first surface and aligning the liquid crystal material, the first alignment film being a rubbing alignment film, wherein the optical device further includes a second alignment film that is an optical alignment film formed by irradiation with polarized light.