Optical Waveguide for Vibration-Resistant Scanning

The patent replaces the mechanical mirror rotation system with an optical waveguide system that uses total internal reflection and refractive index modulation. Instead of physically rotating mirrors to change beam direction, the invention uses optical paths within the waveguide where light is guided by total internal reflection at the core-cladding interface, and beam direction is controlled by changing the refractive index of the core material or the angle of incidence at the output face. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts while achieving the same scanning function.

The patent employs parameter changes to control light direction without mechanical movement. By modulating the refractive index of the waveguide core (through temperature, electric field, or material properties) or by changing the angle of light incidence at the output interface, the beam deflection angle is dynamically controlled. This allows electronic or optical control of scanning angles, replacing mechanical phase shifters and rotators with parameter-based control of the optical path.

The waveguide system replaces mechanical mirror rotation with optical total internal reflection, which is inherently more efficient. In the waveguide, light is confined and guided by total internal reflection at the core-cladding interface, minimizing scattering and absorption losses. The output coupling is achieved through controlled refraction at the output face, which can be designed for high transmission efficiency. This eliminates the need for mechanical mirrors that introduce surface reflection losses and alignment sensitivity.

The patent introduces an optical coupling medium or interface layer at the waveguide output that facilitates efficient light extraction. By using an intermediary optical path or coupling structure (such as a lens array, grating coupler, or tapered waveguide end), the system achieves high-efficiency light outcoupling while maintaining directional control. This intermediary structure reduces Fresnel reflection losses and improves the overall light extraction efficiency compared to direct air-interface coupling.

The patent completely eliminates mechanical rotating mirrors by using a stationary waveguide structure. The scanning function is achieved through optical confinement and direction control within the waveguide, where light propagates by total internal reflection along the core-cladding interface. The output beam direction is controlled by the waveguide geometry and refractive index distribution, not by mechanical movement. This makes the system inherently immune to vibrations that would affect mechanical mirror alignment and rotation stability.

The waveguide structure is segmented into multiple optical paths or modes that can be independently controlled. By dividing the optical function into discrete guided modes or spatial channels within the waveguide, the system achieves scanning through selective mode excitation or path switching rather than continuous mechanical movement. This segmentation allows precise, vibration-free control of beam direction through optical switching between different waveguide paths.

The patent replaces complex mechanical mirror assemblies with a compact integrated waveguide structure. The scanning precision is achieved through precise control of the optical path within the waveguide, where the core dimensions, refractive index profile, and output face geometry are engineered to provide accurate beam direction control. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical scanners, phase shifters, and alignment mechanisms, achieving high precision in a compact, simplified configuration.

The patent merges multiple optical functions (light guidance, beam direction control, and scanning) into a single integrated waveguide structure. Instead of using separate components for each function, the waveguide simultaneously performs light confinement, path routing, and angular control through its geometric and material properties. This functional integration reduces the number of components and interfaces, simplifying the overall system while maintaining or improving scanning precision through unified optical design.