1-D Phase Shifter Array for High-Speed Optical Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed variable focusing and beam steering of optical beams is challenging, particularly in applications like 3D scanning and displays, where conventional methods face issues such as vergence-accommodation mismatch, digital blurring, and computational expense in light field and holography.
Innovation Solution
A 1-D phase shifter array in a Fourier optics configuration is used to steer a patterned line of optical radiation, enabling high-speed 1D amplitude and phase modulations for time-multiplexing images and creating a true depth frame, allowing for random access scanning and variable focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional mechanical scanners are used for scanning, then the system structure is simple, but the scanning speed is slow and random access scanning is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning systems with a phase modulator array that uses optical phase modulation to achieve beam steering. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, enabling high-speed scanning and random access capabilities while maintaining system functionality through electromagnetic field manipulation rather than mechanical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a phase modulator array that can dynamically adjust phase distribution across the aperture. This allows the beam direction and focus position to be controlled by changing phase parameters rather than mechanical positions, achieving high-speed variable focusing and steering without mechanical inertia limitations.
2Speed
If liquid crystal or tunable lenses are used for focusing, then the system can achieve variable focusing, but the operating speed is much slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid crystal or tunable lens systems with a phase modulator array that uses digital phase control. This substitution enables much faster responding times by eliminating the fluidic or mechanical adjustment mechanisms inherent in liquid crystal and tunable lens systems, while maintaining precise focusing control through programmable phase profiles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 3D display approaches are used, then the display can be implemented, but vergence-accommodation mismatch and digital blurring occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by dynamically controlling the phase and amplitude distribution of light through the phase modulator array. This enables real-time adjustment of focus planes and beam directions, allowing the system to present multiple depth planes simultaneously with proper focus cues, thereby eliminating vergence-accommodation mismatch and digital blurring while maintaining high image quality.
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 provides improved 3D display capabilities and enhances imaging applications by enabling high-speed scanning and focusing, surpassing traditional mechanical scanners and liquid crystal or tunable lenses in speed and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a 1-D phase shifter array in a Fourier optics configuration is used to steer a patterned line of optical radiation
Implementation Method 2
utilize high speed 1D amplitude and phase modulators to time-multiplex many images (lines) to create a single, true depth frame
Implementation Method 3
utilize high speed 1D amplitude and phase modulators to time-multiplex many images (lines)
Implementation Method 4
changing the focus creates depth cues for a 3D image
Implementation Method 5
steering a patterned line gives a 2D response, while changing the focus creates depth cues
Data Source
AI summary
A patterned line of optical radiation can be steered in the other two directions (e.g., line patterned in y, steered in x and z) with a 1-D phase shifter array in a Fourier optics configuration. Preferably the patterned line is provided by forming a line focus and modulating it with an array of grating light valve devices in an amplitude modulation configuration. Phase modulation is preferably provided with an array of grating light valve devices in a phase modulation configuration.