Phase Modulation Active Device Quasi-Periodic Binary Profile
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modulators have long operation response times due to their driving schemes, limiting their application in high-speed optical systems, and there is a need for a solution that can efficiently control the phase and path of incident light for advanced optical devices.
Innovation Solution
A phase modulation active device and method that utilize channels to independently modulate light phases, employing a binary phase profile set by quasi-periodically allocating two phase values to achieve desired optical performance, with the phase modulation active device including a phase modulator, signal inputter, binary setter, and controller to control the light steering based on a specific equation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional optical modulators are used, then the device can control light transmission and phase, but the operation response time is long (several microseconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or liquid crystal-based optical modulators with a meta-structure-based optical modulator that uses sub-wavelength patterns to control light phase. This substitution enables significantly faster response time while maintaining reliable optical modulation performance through the engineered electromagnetic resonance of the meta-structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using meta-structures with sub-wavelength dimensions and specific geometric configurations to achieve phase modulation. By adjusting the meta-structure parameters (size, shape, arrangement) rather than relying on bulk material properties, the device achieves faster response while maintaining modulation reliability.
2Speed
If meta structure is applied to optical modulators, then the response speed is high, but the device complexity increases due to precise pattern fabrication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical modulation function into multiple discrete meta-structure units arranged in specific patterns. Each meta-structure element can be independently designed and fabricated, reducing the overall fabrication complexity while maintaining the high response speed characteristic of meta-structure-based modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs meta-structures that can perform multiple functions (phase modulation, beam steering, focusing) using the same basic structural motif. This universality reduces the variety of fabrication processes needed while achieving high-speed optical modulation across different applications.
3Measurement precision
If binary phase profile is used with quasi-periodic allocation, then the optical performance is optimized for beam steering, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs quasi-periodic allocation of phase values in a systematic pattern across the meta-structure array. This periodic arrangement simplifies the control mechanism by using regular patterns rather than arbitrary phase distributions, while still achieving precise beam steering through the accumulated phase effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the meta-structure phases through time-varying electrical signals that adjust the phase values between 0 and 2π. This dynamic modulation enables precise beam steering by changing the phase profile over time while maintaining manageable control complexity through standardized modulation techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A phase modulation active device and a method of driving the phase modulation active device are provided. The phase modulation active device includes channels independently modulating a phase of incident light. The method includes selecting a first phase value and a second phase value to be used for the channels, setting a binary phase profile by allocating the selected first phase value or the selected second phase value to each of the channels quasi-periodically, in a sequence in which the channels are arranged, and driving the phase modulation active device, based on the set binary phase profile.