Stacked Optical Modulator for Low-Voltage LiDAR Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser radar systems using optical phased arrays require high driving voltages for beam deflection, leading to increased power consumption, reduced lifespan, and higher manufacturing costs due to a single-layer structure.
Innovation Solution
A stacked structure of a light reflection layer, conductive layer, and dielectric layer with a driving module that modulates voltage differences to control beam deflection and phase, reducing power consumption and extending lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-layer OPA structure is used to achieve beam scanning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power consumption increases and lifespan decreases due to higher driving voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single OPA layer into multiple stacked layers (first OPA layer, second OPA layer, third OPA layer), each contributing to different aspects of beam control. This segmentation allows the system to achieve beam scanning and deflection with lower individual layer voltages, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer planar structure to a multi-layer stacked three-dimensional structure. By adding the vertical dimension with stacked OPA layers separated by dielectric layers, the system achieves enhanced beam control capabilities with reduced voltage requirements per layer, solving the power consumption issue while maintaining scanning functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If higher driving voltages are applied to achieve greater beam deflection angles, then the beam scanning capability is improved, but the power consumption increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam deflection function across multiple OPA layers, where each layer handles a portion of the total deflection angle. This distribution allows the system to achieve large overall deflection angles without applying excessively high voltages to any single layer, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining multiple OPA layers with dielectric layers in between. This composite stacked configuration enables the system to achieve enhanced beam deflection capabilities through the combined effect of multiple layers, reducing the voltage burden on individual layers and improving device longevity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If higher driving voltages are used in a single-layer OPA, then beam deflection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam scanning function across multiple OPA layers, reducing the voltage requirements for each individual layer. This segmentation leads to lower power consumption and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining the overall beam scanning capability, as each layer can be manufactured with standard voltage tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning to a multi-layer stacked structure, the patent distributes the voltage burden across multiple dimensions (vertical stacking), allowing each layer to operate at lower voltages. This dimensional change reduces power consumption and manufacturing cost while preserving beam scanning functionality.
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 solution effectively reduces power consumption and manufacturing costs while maintaining beam deflection capabilities, thereby enhancing the lifespan of the optical modulation device and laser radar.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive layer (3) and a dielectric layer (4) stacked together. The conductive layer (3) includes a first conductive layer (31) and a second conductive layer (33) spaced apart from each other. The dielectric layer (4) includes a first dielectric layer (41) and a second dielectric layer (43) spaced apart from each other. The first dielectric layer (41) is between the light reflection layer (2) and the first conductive layer (31), and configured for electrically isolating the light reflection layer (2) from the first conductive layer (31). The second dielectric layer (43) is between the first conductive layer (31) and the second conductive layer (33). The second dielectric layer (43) is configured for electrically isolating the first conductive layer (31) from the second conductive layer (33).
Data Source
AI summary
An optical modulation device includes a light reflection layer, a conductive layer, a dielectric layer, and a driving module. A side of the light reflection layer is configured for receiving a first light. The conductive layer is on a side of the light reflection layer and includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The dielectric layer includes a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer. The driving module is configured to apply a first voltage to the light reflection layer, apply a second voltage to the first conductive layer, and apply a third voltage to the second conductive layer. The driving module is configured to change a voltage difference between the light reflection layer and the conductive layer, so as to modulate the first light into a second light.