Planar Waveguide Optical Antenna for SWaP Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for laser communication terminals, such as those used in spacecraft and aircraft, are large and heavy due to the numerous optical components required for beam shaping and steering, which increases size, weight, and complexity, affecting SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical planar antenna system is developed, featuring a linear waveguide within a substrate with a fiber interface, a planar waveguide, and diffractive optical elements that couple the waveguide to free space, enabling beam expansion, collimation, and steering, using dynamic diffraction gratings and electro-optic materials for efficient signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical components are used for beam shaping and steering, then beam control functionality is achieved, but system size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (beam shaping, beam steering, and free space coupling) into a single integrated planar waveguide structure. The waveguide incorporates both first and second diffractive optical elements within the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate optical components and their supporting structures, thereby dramatically reducing weight while maintaining full beam control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional optical component arrangements to a two-dimensional planar waveguide configuration. By confining light propagation and diffractive elements within a planar substrate, the system achieves the same optical functionality with reduced volumetric complexity and weight, while the waveguide thickness provides the necessary third dimension for light confinement
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are chained for beam steering, then beam steering capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beam steering functions into a single planar waveguide structure that contains both first and second diffractive optical elements. This integrated approach eliminates the need for complex chained arrangements of separate optical elements, reducing device complexity while preserving full beam steering capability through the coordinated action of the embedded diffractive elements
Solution Approach 2:
The planar waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light from the fiber interface, performs beam shaping through the first diffractive element, enables beam steering through both diffractive elements, and couples to free space. This multi-functionality within a single component dramatically reduces the number of separate elements needed and simplifies the overall device architecture
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical antenna design is used, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a planar two-dimensional waveguide structure instead of traditional three-dimensional optical component assemblies. By confining all optical functions within a thin planar substrate, the system achieves compact volume while maintaining full optical signal transmission capability. The waveguide thickness provides sufficient dimension for light confinement while the planar extent minimizes overall system volume
4Reliability
If heavy optical components are used for laser communication, then reliable optical link is established, but SWaP requirements are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all necessary optical functions (signal transmission, beam shaping, steering, and coupling) into a single lightweight planar waveguide structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple heavy optical components and their mounting structures, dramatically reducing the optical head weight while maintaining reliable optical link performance through the coordinated operation of the integrated elements
Solution Approach 2:
The planar waveguide utilizes composite structures combining different materials with complementary properties: the substrate material provides mechanical support and optical guidance, while the diffractive optical elements (which may be formed from different materials or structures) provide beam control functionality. This composite approach enables lightweight construction without sacrificing optical performance or reliability
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 reduces the size and weight of optical systems while maintaining functionality, enabling efficient beam steering and transmission of optical signals, thus improving SWaP performance and enabling applications in various environments like land, air, and space.
Implementation Method 1
a first diffractive optical element configured to couple the linear waveguide to the planar waveguide and a second diffractive optical element configured to couple the planar waveguide to free space
Implementation Method 2
using dynamic diffraction gratings and electro-optic materials for efficient signal transmission
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6
AI summary
An optical antenna and methods for optical beam steering are provided. One optical planar antenna (22) includes a linear waveguide (34) within a substrate (28) and having a fiber interface for an optical fibe (26). The optical planar antenna also includes a planar waveguide (40) within the substrate, a first diffractive optical element (38) configured to couple the linear waveguide to the planar waveguide and a second diffractive optical element (42) configured to couple the planar waveguide to free space.