SAW Modulator Optical Power Component Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acousto-optic modulator (AOM) systems, specifically surface acoustic wave (SAW) modulators, have limitations in expanding the useful field of view, with increasing RF bandwidth providing only nominal increases and requiring additional modulators and complex interconnections, which increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical power component with non-zero diopter rating, such as a curved mirror or volume grating, within the SAW modulator substrate or surface to redirect light and expand the field of view, allowing for broader optical redirection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If RF bandwidth is increased to expand field of view, then light diffraction angle range increases, but the increase in field of view is only nominal and RF power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing an optical power component with a specific diopter rating. This component modifies the optical path and redirects light to achieve a wider field of view without requiring increased RF bandwidth, thereby avoiding additional RF power consumption while still expanding the usable angular range of the light field display.
2Illumination intensity
If pairs of SAW modulators are arranged to double field of view, then field of view range increases, but device complexity and interconnection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple modulators by introducing a single optical power component that works in conjunction with one SAW modulator to achieve the field of view expansion that would otherwise require multiple modulators. This integration reduces device complexity and eliminates the need for complex interconnections between multiple modulator units.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical power component acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the single SAW modulator and the light field output. It transforms the limited angular range from a single modulator into a wider field of view, achieving the effect of multiple modulators while maintaining a simpler single-modulator architecture.
3Illumination intensity
If pairs of SAW modulators are arranged to double field of view, then field of view range increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the field of view expansion function into a single modulator system using an optical power component, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple modulator units. This reduces manufacturing costs associated with producing additional modulators, interconnections, and control signaling infrastructure.
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 optical power component enhances the light steering capabilities, increasing the field of view without the need for additional modulators or complex interconnections, thereby improving the efficiency and compactness of the display systems.
Implementation Method 1
The optical power component is a curved mirror or has volume features including reflective, refractive, or diffractive optical structures
Implementation Method 2
The optical power component is a curved mirror or has volume features including reflective, refractive, or diffractive optical structures
Implementation Method 3
The optical power component is a curved mirror or has volume features including reflective, refractive, or diffractive optical structures
Implementation Method 4
surface acoustic waves (SAWs) diffract light propagating in the modulators' waveguides and cause at least some of the light to change from guided modes to leaky modes
Implementation Method 5
surface acoustic waves (SAWs) diffract light propagating in the modulators' waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
A light field generator system including a leaky-mode SAW modulator is disclosed. The modulator incorporates at least one optical power component, such as a concave mirror or volume grating having a non-zero diopter rating. In some embodiments, the system incorporates the at least one optical power component by embedding the optical power component within a substrate of the SAW modulator and/or by placing the optical power component upon a surface of the SAW modulator.