Temporal Dispersion Compensation for Segmented Beamsteering Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Segmented beamsteering arrays suffer from temporal dispersion, limiting their application in wideband and short pulse laser systems due to path length variability, which affects temporal coherence and restricts their use in manufacturing, sensing, and communications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a segmented array with independently controllable reflective elements and a variable optical dispersion subsystem that imparts specific time delays to beamlets, allowing for dynamic compensation of temporal dispersion, enabling the formation of a time dispersion corrected output optical signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If segmented reflective arrays are used for beamsteering, then rapid beamsteering control and reduced system size are achieved, but temporal dispersion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beamsteering function into two separate segmented arrays: a first segmented array for beamsteering and a second segmented array for temporal dispersion correction. This segmentation allows each array to specialize in one function, enabling rapid beamsteering while simultaneously correcting temporal coherence degradation through the coordinated operation of the second array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a variable optical delay array as an intermediary component between the two segmented arrays. This intermediary device imparts specific time delays to individual beamlets to compensate for path length variations, acting as a mediator that reconciles the beamsteering function with temporal coherence preservation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If segmented arrays steer beams at large angles, then steering capability is improved, but temporal dispersion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the beamsteering function from the temporal correction function by using two distinct segmented arrays. The first array provides full angular steering capability without compromise, while the second array independently corrects the temporal dispersion caused by large-angle steering, allowing both capabilities to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the piston displacement of individual elements in the second segmented array based on the steering angle and position. By changing the optical path length parameters of the correction array in real-time, the system compensates for temporal dispersion that varies with steering angle, maintaining temporal coherence across the full steering range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wideband sources or ultrashort pulses are used, then application utility is improved, but temporal dispersion degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two segmented arrays working in coordination: the first array maintains full beamsteering capability for wideband applications, while the second array specifically addresses temporal dispersion affecting ultrashort pulses and wideband sources, enabling these applications to function with preserved temporal coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control where the controller receives information about the desired beam steering state and calculates the appropriate piston displacements for the second array to compensate for temporal dispersion. This feedback mechanism ensures that temporal coherence is maintained dynamically across wideband frequencies and ultrashort pulse durations.
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 the use of segmented arrays in applications requiring wideband sources or ultrashort pulses by maintaining full steering capabilities while eliminating temporal dispersion, enhancing manufacturing precision, sensing range, and data transfer rates in laser communications.
Implementation Method 1
a segmented array including a plurality of independently controllable, reflective optical elements... reflect and steer selected ones of the plurality of beamlets
Implementation Method 2
A variable optical dispersion subsystem may be included which includes a plurality of optical components. The optical components may be configured to impart different predetermined time delays for specific ones of the plurality of beamlets
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for modifying temporal dispersion in an optical signal. The system makes use of a segmented array including a plurality of independently controllable, reflective optical elements. The optical elements are configured to segment a received input optical signal into a plurality of beamlets, and to reflect and steer selected ones of the plurality of beamlets in predetermined angular orientations therefrom. A variable optical dispersion subsystem is used which has a plurality of optical components configured to receive and impart different predetermined time delays to different ones of the received beamlets, and to output the plurality of beamlets therefrom.