Optical Device Waveguide Array Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices are complex and prone to vibration, with existing technologies requiring intricate structures and mechanisms for two-dimensional scanning, such as rotating mirrors and phase shifters, which complicate the device and limit robustness and scanning range.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide array with a pair of opposed mirrors and an optical waveguide layer, where the refractive index and thickness of the waveguide layer are adjusted to change the emission direction of light, allowing for one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning without the need for complex structures or phase shifters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical scanning devices use rotating mirrors or phase shifters for two-dimensional scanning, then scanning capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotating mirrors and phase shifter systems with an all-optical waveguide array system. Light is guided through multiple waveguides with different propagation paths, and the emission direction is controlled by adjusting the effective refractive index of each waveguide, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and complex phase shifting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent waveguide channels, each capable of independently controlling light emission in a specific direction. The waveguide array segments the scanning function into multiple parallel optical paths, allowing two-dimensional scanning without requiring mechanical rotation or complex phase modulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical scanning devices use rotating mirrors or phase shifters, then scanning function is achieved, but reliability decreases due to vibration susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical components (rotating mirrors, moving phase shifters) that are susceptible to vibration by using a static waveguide array system. The scanning function is achieved through optical phase control in fixed waveguides, making the system inherently more resistant to mechanical vibrations and improving reliability in harsh environments.
3Measurement precision
If waveguide array adjusts phase difference between adjacent waveguides to change emission direction, then scanning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the emission direction by adjusting the effective refractive index parameter of each waveguide. By changing the refractive index (a fundamental optical parameter) through material composition control or structural design in the waveguide array, precise beam steering is achieved without adding complex mechanical or electronic control mechanisms.
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 simple and robust optical scanning with reduced complexity, achieving high spatial resolution and efficient light emission while maintaining device stability against vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
the refractive index and thickness of the waveguide layer are adjusted to change the emission direction of light
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of waveguides propagate the input light beams in the second direction and emit part of the input light beams as emission light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes: a waveguide array including a plurality of waveguides; and a pulse generator. The waveguides are arranged in a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The pulse generator inputs, as an input light beam, a light pulse of light to each of the waveguides. The light has a frequency spectrum in air with a maximum peak at a frequency corresponding to a wavelength λ, and the full width at half maximum of the maximum peak is Δν. The waveguides propagate the input light beams in the second direction and emit part of the input light beams as emission light. The pulse generator adjusts the difference in phase between input light beams to be inputted to two adjacent waveguides of the plurality of waveguides to thereby change a first direction component of an emission direction of the emission light.