Sub-wavelength Grating Beam Steering via Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens devices face challenges in minimizing beam width due to limitations in manufacturing small lenses with large curvatures and compatibility issues with planar integrated circuits, making it costly to achieve a small spot size for optical applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of sub-wavelength dielectric gratings (SWG) with a high refractive index material, arranged in an array on a planar substrate, and actuated by a controller to dynamically vary optical characteristics such as beam direction, focus, and curvature, allowing for precise manipulation of light beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional lens elements are used to minimize beam width, then a small spot size can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to difficulty in fabricating small lenses with large curvatures and precise polishing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous lens surface into discrete microlens elements arranged in arrays. Each microlens element has a standardized small size (e.g., 20-100 microns) that can be fabricated using photolithography and other semiconductor-compatible processes, avoiding the need for expensive precision polishing of large-curvature lenses while achieving the same beam focusing effect through array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulk lenses to two-dimensional planar microlens arrays. This dimensional reduction enables integration with planar substrates and standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, dramatically reducing fabrication cost and complexity while maintaining optical functionality through the collective action of multiple microlens elements
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional convex and concave lenses are used to minimize beam width, then a small spot size can be achieved, but compatibility with planar integrated circuits is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces three-dimensional conventional lenses with two-dimensional planar microlens arrays that can be fabricated directly on planar substrates using photolithography. This enables direct integration with planar integrated circuits and other flat electronic components, providing mechanical and electrical compatibility while maintaining optical focusing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array structure serves multiple functions: it acts as an optical element for beam focusing, a planar component for integration with circuits, and a configurable device for dynamic beam control. The same structure can be used in various optical applications including optical disks, communications, and sensing, enhancing versatility across different platforms
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 enables the dynamic variation of light beam characteristics, achieving desired optical effects like beam steering and focus without the cost and fabrication challenges of conventional lenses, while maintaining a planar structure compatible with integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a sub-wavelength dielectric grating (SWG) formed of a plurality of lines configured to receive a beam of light
Implementation Method 2
The lines of the SWG(s) are composed of a relatively higher refractive index material than the material used to form the substrate
Implementation Method 3
The lines of the SWG(s) are composed of a relatively higher refractive index material than the material used to form the substrate on which the SWG(s) may be disposed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dynamically varying an optical characteristic of a light beam includes an optical element configured to receive a beam of light. The optical element includes at least one sub-wavelength grating formed of a plurality of lines. The apparatus includes at least one actuator connected to at least one component of the optical element and a controller for controlling the at least one actuator to dynamically vary a characteristic of the beam of light that is at least one of emitted through and reflected from the optical element.