Optical Beam Steering via Switched Grating Couplers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically-assisted optical beam steering techniques require moving optical elements, which complicates directional changes and increases operational overhead in photonics chips.
Innovation Solution
The integration of nonparallel grating couplers with an optical switch allows for passive beam steering without mechanical motion by diffracting optical signals with different angular orientations, enabling beam scanning through selective routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically-assisted beam steering techniques are used, then directional changes for beam steering are achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the necessity of moving optical elements with mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with a digital switching system. Instead of physically moving mirrors or optical elements, the invention uses an optical switch coupled to multiple stationary grating couplers with different orientations. The optical switch electronically routes optical signals to different grating couplers, achieving beam directional changes without any mechanical motion. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability for beam steering.
2Ease of operation
If mechanically-assisted beam steering techniques are used, then beam directional control is achieved, but operational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching between different grating couplers to achieve beam scanning. The optical switch rapidly alternates between connecting to different grating couplers with nonparallel orientations, creating a time-multiplexed beam steering effect. This periodic switching enables directional control without the continuous mechanical motion required by traditional systems, reducing operational overhead and time loss.
3Device complexity
If multiple grating couplers with nonparallel axes are integrated, then passive beam steering without mechanical motion is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple grating couplers with different orientations into a single integrated photonic circuit. Instead of assembling separate mechanical components, all grating couplers are fabricated on the same substrate using standard photolithography and etching processes. The optical switch is also integrated on the same chip, creating a monolithic device that eliminates mechanical assembly complexity while enabling passive beam steering through optical routing.
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 solution provides a digital, high-speed, low-power, and cost-effective method for optical beam steering within photonics chips, eliminating the need for mechanical parts and allowing for precise angular control of optical signals.
Implementation Method 1
grating couplers...configured to select between the first grating coupler and the second grating coupler for optical signal routing...diffracting optical signals with different angular orientations
Data Source
AI summary
Structures providing optical beam steering and methods of fabricating such structures. A first grating coupler has a first plurality of grating structures spaced with a first pitch along a first axis. A second grating coupler has a second plurality of grating structures spaced with a second pitch along a second axis. An optical switch is coupled to the first grating coupler and to the second grating coupler. The optical switch is configured to select between the first grating coupler and the second grating coupler for optical signal routing. The second axis of the second grating coupler is aligned nonparallel to the first axis of the first grating coupler.