Phase-Control Beam Steering for Quiet Wide-Angle Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering technologies face challenges such as noise, size, accuracy, and limited field of view, particularly in non-mechanical methods like MEMS mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering device that uses a phase control array to steer beams without physical movement by controlling the phase of parallel light, which includes a light source unit and a phase control array with cells that adjust their refractive index in response to current or voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical beam steering method is used to control beam direction, then the beam direction can be controlled, but noise increases and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical beam steering system with a non-mechanical phase control system. Instead of using motors to physically rotate beam steering components, the invention uses a phase control array that electronically adjusts the phase of light waves to change beam direction. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating the noise generated by motors and mechanical movements while maintaining precise beam direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to optical phase. By controlling the phase of light waves passing through different elements of the phase control array, the system can steer the beam in different directions without any physical movement. This parameter change from mechanical to optical domain resolves the contradiction by achieving beam steering through phase modulation rather than mechanical actuation.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical beam steering method is used to control beam direction, then the beam direction can be controlled, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical beam steering components (motors, rotating mirrors, gimbals) with a compact phase control array. The phase control array consists of multiple small elements that can be arranged in a dense grid pattern, allowing precise beam steering in a much smaller volume. This substitution dramatically reduces the device size while maintaining or improving beam direction control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the beam steering function into multiple discrete phase control elements arranged in an array. Each element independently controls the phase of light passing through it, and by coordinating the phase control across all elements, precise beam steering is achieved. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-resolution beam control in a compact form factor, as each element can be small and the array can be densely packed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If MEMS mirror method is used for non-mechanical beam steering, then mechanical movement is reduced, but field of view is limited and light transmission distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a segmented phase control array where each element independently controls the phase of light. This segmentation enables the system to synthesize beams in multiple directions simultaneously and to achieve a wider field of view compared to single-element MEMS mirrors. The array can electronically steer beams across a broad angular range by adjusting the phase gradient across different elements, overcoming the limited field of view of MEMS technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous phase control across multiple elements, allowing for fine-adjustment of beam direction and the ability to electronically focus at different ranges. This continuous parameter control enables both wide field of view and extended light transmission distance by dynamically adjusting phase parameters without mechanical constraints, surpassing the fixed angular ranges of MEMS mirrors.
4Measurement precision
If phase control array is used to control beam direction, then mechanical movement is eliminated and accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical beam steering mechanisms with an electronic phase control system. While the electronic control system has its own complexity, it eliminates the need for precision mechanical components, motors, and associated control systems. The overall system complexity is reduced by moving from the mechanical domain to the electronic/optical domain, where control can be achieved through software and electronic circuits that are more compact and controllable.
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
Enables efficient beam steering with improved accuracy and precision, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and enhancing performance in terms of speed and field of view.
Implementation Method 1
a first medium provided to the reflective plate to vary in a refractive index in response to an applied current or voltage
Implementation Method 2
The first medium may include a material having a finite electric resistance and the temperature may vary by Joule's effect in response to the applied current
Implementation Method 3
A temperature of the first medium may vary in response to the applied current and the refractive index of the first medium may vary in response to the varying temperature
Implementation Method 4
Each of the plurality of cells may include a reflective plate reflecting incident light
Implementation Method 5
a collimator collecting the light irradiated from the light source to form the parallel light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beam steering device for steering a beam without a physical movement, the beam steering device comprising: a light source unit for irradiating parallel light; and a phase control array for controlling a reflection angle of the parallel light irradiated from the light source unit, wherein the phase control array comprises a plurality of cells in a region where the parallel light is irradiated, and the reflection angle is controlled by controlling the phase of light reflected by each of the plurality of cells.