Piezoelectric Light Guide and MEMS Mirror Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Atmospheric conditions cause beam spreading and wander in light beams used for communication, leading to off-target signals, necessitating beam steering and dithering protocols to track receivers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering system that decouples dithering and steering mechanisms, utilizing a piezoelectric light guide for high-frequency dithering and a microelectromechanical mirror for lower-frequency scanning, allowing for independent control and improved beam alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single beam steering mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot simultaneously achieve high-frequency dithering and large-angle steering
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering system is divided into two independent subsystems: a piezoelectric light guide for high-frequency dithering and a microelectromechanical mirror for low-frequency scanning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both high-frequency dithering and large-angle steering without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different beam steering technologies (piezoelectric light guide and microelectromechanical mirror) into a unified system. The piezoelectric element handles high-frequency dithering while the microelectromechanical mirror handles low-frequency scanning, merging their capabilities to achieve comprehensive beam control that neither component could achieve alone.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency dithering is implemented, then beam tracking precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns different operational frequencies to different components: the piezoelectric light guide operates at high frequency for precise dithering when tracking is needed, while the microelectromechanical mirror operates at low frequency for scanning. This dynamic operation allows high precision when required while reducing overall power consumption by not continuously operating all components at high power.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam steering uses periodic dithering at high frequency through the piezoelectric element to maintain tracking precision, while the microelectromechanical mirror performs periodic scanning at lower frequency. This periodic action pattern ensures precision is maintained during active tracking while allowing power reduction during scanning phases.
3Speed
If piezoelectric elements are used for dithering, then dithering frequency is increased, but beam deviation angle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the beam deviation function into two parts: the piezoelectric light guide provides small-angle high-frequency dithering motions, while the microelectromechanical mirror provides large-angle low-frequency scanning motions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different angular ranges to different components based on their operational strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in two different angular dimensions: the piezoelectric element operates in the fine-adjustment dimension with small angular deviations at high frequency, while the microelectromechanical mirror operates in the coarse-adjustment dimension with large angular deviations at low frequency. This dimensional separation allows both high dithering frequency and adequate beam deviation angle to be achieved.
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 high-frequency dithering with low beam deviation and large-angle steering, enhancing communication reliability by maintaining beam focus and reducing power consumption through coordinated control of piezoelectric elements and microelectromechanical mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
The dithering means, for example, a light guide and at least one piezoelectric element, may be used to dither the beam of light
Implementation Method 2
The scanning means, for example, a microelectromechanical mirror, may be independent from said dithering means and may scan the dithered beam of light toward a target
Data Source
AI summary
Beam steering systems and methods are disclosed according to various embodiments. A beam steering system may include a laser that produces a beam of light. The beam of light may then be directed through a piezoelectric tube that includes a light guide and one or more piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric tube is coupled with the light source, such that the beam of light is conducted through the light guide. The piezoelectric tube is coupled with a scanning optical element that includes an optical element and a steering device. A controller may be communicatively coupled with the light source, the piezoelectric tube and the scanning optical element. The controller may include instructions to dither the beam of light with the piezoelectric tube and/or instructions to steer the beam of light with the scanning optical element.