Sub-aperture Refractive Array for Reducing Diffractive Losses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-mechanical beam steering systems face losses due to diffraction effects, particularly in systems using refractive elements that dynamically adjust light beam angles, leading to reduced power in desired portions of the beam.

Innovation Solution

The use of sub-aperture refractive tapered projections with specific electrode arrangements in a waveguide, including a core and electro-optic material cladding, to adjust the light beam's angle with reduced diffractive losses by alternating refractive index changes and phase shifts, counteracting beam size reductions and phase discontinuities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If refractive elements are used to dynamically adjust light beam angles, then beam steering capability is improved, but diffractive losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoiddiffractive losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide surface is segmented into multiple independent sub-aperture refractive elements (tapered projections) that can be individually controlled. Each element acts as an independent beam steering unit, allowing precise control over different portions of the light beam while minimizing overall diffraction effects through coordinated operation of all segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each sub-aperture refractive element has a specific tapered geometry with optimized local refractive properties. The tapered shape and local orientation of each projection are designed to provide the exact refraction needed for its specific position in the array, creating locally optimized beam control that reduces diffractive losses while maintaining overall beam steering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If refractive elements compress the light beam, then beam angle adjustment is achieved, but beam quality deteriorates due to diffraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam angle adjustmentVSAvoidbeam quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The refractive index of the electro-optic material is dynamically changed by applying voltages to the electrodes. This parameter change allows each sub-aperture element to adjust its refraction angle independently, enabling precise beam angle control while maintaining beam quality through coordinated adjustment of all elements' refractive parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If electrode arrangements adjust refractive index, then beam steering precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structures are merged with the tapered projections themselves, forming an integrated unit where each projection contains its own electrode for independent control. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to precisely control each sub-aperture element's refraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electro-optic material serves multiple functions: it provides the refractive index that bends the light beam, it enables dynamic adjustment of refraction angle through voltage control, and it allows independent control of each sub-aperture element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This approach effectively reduces diffractive losses and maintains a uniform output wavefront, enhancing the beam steering system's efficiency by minimizing power loss in secondary peaks and maintaining a controlled beam size and phase across the steering range.

Implementation Method 1

a cladding including an electro-optic material and electrodes defining an arrangement that, when selectively energized, adjusts an index of refraction of the electro-optic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

Certain non-mechanical beam steering systems include an array of refractive elements that can dynamically adjust an angle of a light beam. As the light beam undergoes refraction, the light beam can be compressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10120261B2Array of sub-aperture refractive elements for steering a light beam

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 ANALOG DEVICES INC

AI summary

The present subject matter includes apparatus and techniques that can be used to reduce losses in systems that perform steering of a light beam. Such steering can be performed in a non-mechanical manner, such as using an electrically-controlled optical structure (e.g., an electro-optical structure). For example, a waveguide can be used to adjust an angle of a light beam (e.g., steer the light beam). The waveguide can include a core, a cladding including an electro-optic material, and electrodes defining an arrangement that, when selectively energized, adjusts an index of refraction of the electro-optic material. In particular, electrode arrangements as described herein can be used to reduce losses, such as losses that would occur due to diffraction.