Wide angle, broad-band, polarization independent beam steering and concentration of wave energy utilizing electronically controlled soft matter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam steering technologies for electromagnetic radiation, such as light, face limitations including narrow angular range, polarization dependence, high loss, and inefficiency with broad spectral bandwidths, particularly in optical systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of electronically controlled soft matter structures, including Liquid Phase Beam Steering, Solid Phase Beam Steering, Gas Phase Beam Steering, and Plasma Phase Beam Steering, which manage wave energy through Total Internal Reflection, refraction, or diffraction, allowing for continuous and precise steering and focusing of waves over large angular ranges without substantial loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional beam steering technologies are used, then beam direction can be controlled, but the angular range is limited and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the soft matter material dynamically to achieve beam steering. By adjusting the refractive index through electrical control, the system achieves wide angular deflection without the mechanical limitations and losses of conventional systems, resolving the contradiction between angular range and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with an electronically controlled soft matter system. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and friction losses while achieving broader angular control, directly addressing the contradiction between angular range and energy loss
2Ease of operation
If conventional optical beam steering is used, then polarization control is achieved, but the system becomes polarization dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter (refractive index) of the soft matter rather than relying on polarization-dependent effects. This parameter change approach makes the beam steering polarization-independent, allowing the system to handle both polarized and unpolarized light equally well, thus resolving the contradiction between polarization control and polarization independence
3Productivity
If narrow-band phased array systems are used, then beam steering is achieved, but bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses refractive index changes in soft matter that are broadband in nature, unlike narrow-band phased array systems. This allows the system to steer beams across a wide spectral bandwidth while maintaining steering capability, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability to different wavelengths
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, low-loss, polarization-independent beam steering and focusing of electromagnetic waves over wide angular ranges, suitable for high-intensity and low-intensity waves, with high precision and accuracy, and the ability to concentrate or expand waves as needed.
Implementation Method 1
manage wave energy through Total Internal Reflection
Implementation Method 2
manage wave energy through Total Internal Reflection, refraction, or diffraction
Implementation Method 3
manage wave energy through Total Internal Reflection, refraction, or diffraction
Data Source
AI summary
A general method is provided for electronically reconfiguring the internal structure of a solid to allow precision control of the propagation of wave energy. The method allows digital or analog control of wave energy, such as but not limited to visible light, while maintaining low losses, a multi-octave bandwidth, polarization independence, large area and a large dynamic range in power handling. Embodiments of the technique are provided for large-angle beam steering, lenses and other devices to control wave energy.