Segmented Polarization Switch for Beam Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polarization selective optical elements, such as Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) and polarization volume hologram (PVH) elements, lack the ability to efficiently control and switch polarization states across multiple segments for advanced optical applications like beam steering and imaging, particularly in portable or wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

A segmented polarization switch with a plurality of polarization switch segments and a polarization selective optical element (PSOE) optically coupled to the switch, controlled by a controller to operate in switching or non-switching states, allowing for precise control of optical states across multiple segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If polarization selective optical elements (PBP or PVH) are used, then high efficiency and flatness are achieved, but the ability to efficiently control and switch polarization states across multiple segments is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol and switching capabilityVSAvoidsegmented structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polarization selective device is divided into multiple independently controllable segments, where each segment can be individually switched between different polarization states. This segmentation enables spatially selective polarization control across the optical aperture, allowing different regions to perform different functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic switching capability through voltage-controlled liquid crystal segments that can change their optical properties in real-time. Each segment can be independently actuated to switch between transparent and polarizing states, enabling dynamic beam steering and polarization modulation without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If segmented polarization switching is implemented, then precise control over polarization states is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization state control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented polarization selective device serves multiple functions within a single optical element: it acts as both a beam steering device and a polarization modulator. The same liquid crystal segments that provide polarization selectivity also enable beam direction control through differential phase modulation, eliminating the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device controls polarization states by changing the optical parameters of liquid crystal segments through applied voltage. By adjusting the voltage magnitude and polarity across different segments, the device can precisely control the polarization state (linear, circular, elliptical) and orientation angle of each segment independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple polarization switch segments are used, then beam steering capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidsegmented device fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the polarization selective function and the beam steering function into a single integrated device structure. The liquid crystal segments perform both polarization modulation and phase control simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate polarization optics and beam steering mechanisms that would otherwise require complex alignment and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient modulation and steering of light across multiple directions, enhancing the functionality of portable or wearable optical devices by providing flexible and precise control over polarization states, improving beam steering and imaging capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A PVH element may modulate a circularly polarized light based on Bragg diffraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBragg diffraction: Bragg Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

A PBP element may modulate a circularly polarized light based on a phase profile provided through a geometric phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPancharatnam-Berry phase:

Implementation Method 3

An optic axis of a PVH element or a PBP element may have a spatially varying orientation in at least one in-plane direction. The optic axis of a PVH element or a PBP element may also have a spatially varying orientation in an out-of-plane direction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptic axis orientation control:

Data Source

PatentUS11747655B2Segmented polarization selective device

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A device includes a segmented polarization switch including a plurality of polarization switch segments. The device also includes a polarization selective optical element (“PSOE”) optically coupled to the segmented polarization switch and including a plurality of polarization selective segments. The device further includes a controller configured to control the polarization switch segments to operate in a switching state or a non-switching state to control optical states of the polarization selective segments.