Photonic Integrated Circuit Coupler Array for Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging-based beam steering systems face limitations in achieving high-density, high-bandwidth emission from individual pixels and require advanced systems and methods to enable efficient and precise beam steering for applications like free-space optical communications and LIDAR, which demand novel emitter arrays and high-speed electronic control.
Innovation Solution
A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) coupler array with a network of couplers, pixel switches, and feed networks that allow selective routing of light between couplers and waveguides, enabling dynamic control of light paths for efficient beam steering and multiplexed addressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional beam-steering solutions (moving mirrors, Risley prisms, phased arrays) are used, then beam steering functionality is achieved, but system complexity, weight, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam-steering components (moving mirrors, Risley prisms) with an imaging-based beam steering system that uses a light-emitting array at the focal plane of a passive imaging optic. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex mechanical assemblies while achieving precise beam steering through electronic control of light-emitting elements, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and beam steering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a passive imaging optic that serves multiple functions: it focuses light from the light-emitting array to create directed beams, enables beam steering through spatial positioning of light-emitting elements, and provides a compact integrated structure. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise beam steering capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-density emitter arrays are implemented for full IBBS potential, then simultaneous control of multiple lines of sight is enabled, but manufacturing complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a passive imaging optic to create optical copies of the light-emitting array at different angular positions in the field of regard. Each position in the field of regard corresponds to an optical copy of the array, enabling simultaneous control of multiple lines of sight without requiring physically separate emitter arrays for each direction. This copying mechanism through optical imaging reduces emitter array complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the control problem from angular domain to spatial domain by positioning light-emitting elements at different locations in the focal plane of the imaging optic. This dimensional transformation allows simultaneous control of multiple lines of sight through spatial multiplexing of light-emitting elements, reducing the complexity of temporal or angular control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If high-speed electronic control is implemented for high-bandwidth emission, then frame rates improve, but system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with electronically controlled light-emitting arrays, enabling high-speed beam steering through electronic modulation of light-emitting elements rather than mechanical movement. This substitution achieves high frame rates while reducing control system complexity compared to mechanical alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables high-frame-rate operation through periodic modulation of light-emitting elements, allowing rapid sequential addressing of different beam directions. This periodic action facilitates high productivity while maintaining relatively simple control architecture compared to continuous mechanical scanning systems.
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
The PIC coupler array facilitates high-density, high-bandwidth beam steering with precise control, enabling simultaneous control of multiple lines of sight and improved frame rates in LIDAR and optical communications while maintaining eye-safe emissions.
Implementation Method 1
couplers arranged in a coupler plane, where each coupler may couple light between the coupler plane and one or more directions outside of the coupler plane
Implementation Method 2
pixel-network switches, where each of the pixel-network switches may selectively couple light between one of the couplers and one of the pixel-network waveguides
Implementation Method 3
feed-network switches to selectively couple light between the feed-line waveguide and at least some of the pixel-network waveguides
Implementation Method 4
a lens positioned with the PIC coupler array at a focal plane, where the lens collects the light from the PIC coupler array and the light from the selected coupler emerges from the lens at one or more selected output angles based on a location of the selected coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler array device may include an array of couplers arranged in a coupler plane, where each of the couplers couples light between the coupler plane and one or more directions outside of the coupler plane. A coupler array device may further include a pixel switch network to selectively couple light into or out of a selected subset of the plurality of couplers, where the pixel switch network may include one or more pixel-network waveguides and pixel-network switches to couple light between couplers and pixel-network waveguides. The coupler array device may further include one or more feed networks including a feed-line waveguide and one or more feed-network switches to couple light between the feed-line waveguide and at least some of the pixel-network waveguides. Light may be routable between selected couplers and selected feed-line waveguides along selected paths by controlling the pixel-network switches and the feed-network switches along the selected paths.