Beam Steering Device With P-N Junction Refractive Index Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering technologies, such as those using optical phased arrays or mechanical drivers, are bulky, expensive, and prone to noise and vibration, and require complex drivers for each pixel area, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering device utilizing a p-n junction layer with a variable refractive index, controlled by a reflective electrode layer and a common electrode, to steer laser beams by adjusting the refractive index of nanoantenna components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical drivers (motor or MEMS structure) are used for beam steering, then beam steering function is achieved, but the apparatus becomes bulky, expensive, and generates noise or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems (motors or MEMS structures) with an optical phased array system that uses electrical control of nanoantennas to steer laser beams. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components, reducing apparatus size, cost, and mechanical noise while maintaining beam steering functionality through phase control of multiple nanoantenna elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the nanoantenna array by applying different voltages to control the refractive index of the p-n junction layer, thereby adjusting the optical phase of each nanoantenna element. This parameter control enables beam steering without mechanical movement, resolving the contradiction between achieving steering capability and avoiding mechanical complexity
2Measurement precision
If optical phased array with separate drivers for each pixel area is used, then beam steering precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driver functions by using a single common electrode connected to all nanoantenna components, eliminating the need for separate drivers for each pixel area. The p-n junction layer acts as a shared control element that can be electrically tuned to adjust the optical characteristics of the entire nanoantenna array, thereby maintaining beam steering precision while significantly reducing driver complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If p-n junction layer with variable refractive index is used, then manufacturing simplicity and cost reduction are achieved, but control precision over optical characteristics must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a p-n junction layer whose refractive index can be electrically tuned by applying different voltages. This allows precise control of optical characteristics through electrical parameter adjustment rather than complex manufacturing variations, achieving both ease of manufacture and control precision by decoupling the manufacturing process from the operational control
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 device effectively steers laser beams by controlling the refractive index of nanoantenna components, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs while minimizing noise and vibration, suitable for applications like depth sensors and LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive index of the p-n junction layer is variable according to a voltage applied to the reflective electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
A beam steering device is provided including a p-n junction layer disposed on a reflective electrode layer, wherein a refractive index of the p-n junction layer is variable according to a voltage applied to the reflective electrode layer; a nanoantenna layer including a plurality of components disposed on the p-n junction layer; and a common electrode electrically connected to each of the plurality of components of the nanoantenna. The p-n junction layer may include a p-doped layer and an n-doped layer.