Ruled Optical Surface Beam Steering Across a Wide Spectral Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for optical wireless communication networks face challenges such as high power consumption, high cost, limited spectral band usage, and limited directional range, particularly in low-cost, low-power equipment.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a monolithic optical element featuring a ruled optical surface with a curved generatrix that varies harmonically as a function of angular position, allowing for spatial orientation of radiation patterns for transmission and reception, which is inexpensive, low-energy, and supports a wide spectral band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If galvanometers associated with servos are used for beam steering, then the radiation pattern can be oriented in space, but the power consumption is high and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems (galvanometers and servos) with a static optical element featuring a ruled surface with harmonically varying generatrix. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical actuation, thereby dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to orient radiation patterns in space through optical design rather than mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic alternative by using a static optical element whose geometry inherently provides dynamic beam steering capability across wide angular ranges. The harmonically varying generatrix of the ruled surface enables the radiation pattern to be oriented in space without physical movement, achieving dynamic performance through static geometric design.
2Ease of operation
If MEMS and deflectors are used for beam steering, then the radiation pattern can be varied in space, but the power consumption is high, the cost is high, and the durability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces MEMS and deflector systems with a static ruled surface optical element. This eliminates mechanical actuation components that are prone to wear and failure, significantly improving durability and reliability. The static optical element has no moving parts, making it inherently more reliable and durable than MEMS-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential beam steering function from complex mechanical MEMS systems and implements it through a simplified static optical element. By taking out the mechanical actuation components and retaining only the optical functionality through geometric design, the system achieves improved reliability while maintaining beam steering capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If holographic or diffractive elements are used for beam steering, then the device is simple and power consumption is low, but the spectral band is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the ruled surface, specifically the harmonically varying generatrix, to achieve wide spectral band coverage. By optimizing the mathematical description of the surface geometry, the optical element becomes adaptable to a broad spectrum of wavelengths, overcoming the spectral limitations of holographic and diffractive elements while maintaining low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical element that functions across a wide spectral band, making it adaptable to different wavelengths and applications. The ruled surface with harmonically varying generatrix provides multi-functional capability, serving as a beam steering element that works effectively for various spectral ranges, unlike wavelength-specific holographic or diffractive elements.
4Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic lens with a ruled surface is used for beam steering, then the device is inexpensive and power consumption is low, but the spectral band coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of the ruled surface by introducing a harmonically varying generatrix, which enhances the spectral band coverage while maintaining the monolithic structure. This parameter optimization allows the inexpensive manufacturing approach to be combined with wide spectral adaptability, resolving the contradiction between low cost and broad spectral coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a monolithic optical element with a specifically designed ruled surface geometry that combines manufacturing simplicity with enhanced spectral performance. The harmonic variation in the generatrix creates a composite optical function within a single material structure, achieving both cost-effectiveness and wide spectral band coverage.
5Ease of operation
If MEMS are used for beam steering, then the radiation pattern can be varied in space, but the directional range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves wide directional range through the dynamic geometric design of the ruled surface with harmonically varying generatrix. This static optical element inherently provides the capability to steer beams over wide angular ranges, overcoming the limited directional range of MEMS systems without requiring physical movement or reconfiguration.
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 provides efficient, cost-effective, and wide directional range optical communication, suitable for low-power equipment, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a monolithic optical element comprising at least one ruled optical surface capable of orienting in space a radiation pattern for transmission and/or a radiation pattern for reception of light waves
Implementation Method 2
comprising a monolithic optical element comprising at least one ruled optical surface capable of orienting in space a radiation pattern for transmission and/or a radiation pattern for reception of light waves
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device equips a piece of communication equipment of an optical wireless communication network, and includes a monolithic optical element including at least one ruled optical surface having a curved generatrix selected to present an orientation that varies harmonically as a function of angular position, so as to spatially orient a radiation pattern for transmission and/or a radiation pattern for reception of light waves.