Planar Tiltable Mirrors for Five-Degree-of-Freedom Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam-steering apparatuses that provide more than two degrees of freedom are typically large, heavy, and complex, making them unsuitable for applications requiring up to five degrees of freedom, such as rotational and lateral-position adjustments, while also introducing optical de-rotation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A beam-steering apparatus utilizing three to five planar tiltable mirrors, each tiltable about one or two axes of rotation, to achieve up to five degrees of freedom in line-of-sight steering, reducing weight, size, and complexity by leveraging angular cross-coupling effects for beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional optical de-rotation devices (K-mirrors or Pechan prisms) are used to control rotation of the line of sight, then rotational control is achieved, but the apparatus becomes large, heavy, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam-steering function into multiple independent planar mirrors, each tiltable about one or two axes. This segmentation allows rotational control to be achieved through coordinated tilting of individual mirrors rather than requiring a complex assembly rotation, thereby reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rotation mechanisms (gimbal assemblies, K-mirrors, Pechan prisms) with a system of planar mirrors that can be tilted independently about axes lying in their planes. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical rotation structures while achieving the same rotational control function through optical means.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors are used to provide two-dimensional angular beam steering and lateral-position degrees of freedom, then five degrees of freedom are achieved, but the apparatus becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam-steering function across multiple planar mirrors, each contributing one or two degrees of freedom through independent tilting. This segmentation allows the system to achieve five degrees of freedom while keeping each individual mirror lightweight and manageable, avoiding the need for a single heavy complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the angular cross-coupling effect where tilting a mirror about one axis produces both angular steering and lateral-position changes. This dimensional coupling allows the system to achieve multiple degrees of freedom with fewer mirrors, reducing the total weight compared to using separate mirrors for each degree of freedom.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional beam-steering apparatus is used to provide five degrees of freedom, then complete steering control is achieved, but the apparatus is complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering control into independent planar mirror units, each with simple tilting mechanisms. This segmentation makes each component easier to manufacture individually and allows for modular assembly, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining complete steering control through the coordinated operation of the segmented mirrors.
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 solution enables compact, lightweight, and flexible beam steering with up to five degrees of freedom, avoiding chromatic aberration and minimizing mechanical complexity, while maintaining precise control over beam positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a set of planar tiltable mirrors positioned to define a radiation (such as light) beam path therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A beam-steering apparatus comprises a set of planar tiltable mirrors positioned to define a light beam path therebetween. The set of planar tiltable mirrors comprises from three to five planar tiltable mirrors. Each of the planar tiltable mirrors has a center of rotation lying in a plane of the mirror and each of the planar tiltable mirrors is tiltable about one axis of rotation or two orthogonal axes of rotation that lie in the plane of the mirror. The total number of axes of rotation about which the planar tiltable mirrors of the set of planar tiltable mirrors can tilt is at least five. A mirror drive system tilts each respective planar mirror about its respective axis of rotation or axes of rotation. With this apparatus, an input or output light beam path is steerable over two angular, one rotational, and two lateral-position degrees of freedom.