Thermoelectric Spatial Light Modulator for Stable Beam Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial light modulators face challenges in efficiently controlling heat transfer between pixels, which affects the stability and accuracy of beam steering due to heat interference, limiting their performance in applications like LiDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermoelectric layer with alternating n-type and p-type semiconductor layers to manage heat transfer using Peltier effects, allowing independent control of heat movement between pixels, thereby stabilizing refractive index changes and enhancing beam steering precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spatial light modulators are used for beam steering, then basic light modulation is achieved, but heat interference reduces stability and accuracy of beam steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermoelectric layer as an intermediary component between the pixel layers. This thermoelectric layer actively manages heat transfer, preventing heat accumulation that would otherwise interfere with the refractive index stability and beam steering accuracy. The thermoelectric layer acts as a heat mediator that can be independently controlled to maintain optimal thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter control by applying independent electrical signals to different regions of the thermoelectric layer. This allows dynamic adjustment of heat flow directions and magnitudes, enabling precise control of temperature distribution to maintain refractive index stability and improve beam steering accuracy under varying operating conditions.
2Reliability
If thermoelectric layer is added to manage heat transfer, then heat control and beam steering stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric layer is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions that correspond to different pixel groups. This segmentation allows localized heat management where each region can be controlled independently, providing precise thermal control without requiring a completely new device architecture. The segmented approach integrates smoothly with the existing pixel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric layer serves multiple functions: it manages heat transfer between pixel layers, stabilizes refractive indices, and enables dynamic thermal control for improved beam steering accuracy. By integrating this multi-functional component, the patent achieves significant reliability improvements without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 thermoelectric layer effectively manages heat transfer, improving the stability and accuracy of beam steering, enabling reliable operation of spatial light modulators in applications such as LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a thermoelectric layer with alternating n-type and p-type semiconductor layers to manage heat transfer using Peltier effects
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A spatial light modulator and an electronic apparatus including the spatial light modulator are provided. The spatial light modulator may include: a plurality of pixels configured to steer incident light; and a plurality of thermoelectric layers in which heat transfer with the plurality of pixels occurs. The plurality of pixels may include a plurality of grating structures.