Transmission-Type Meta Surface Beam Steering Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering technologies face limitations such as increased volume and cost, noise generation, limited viewing angle, and slow operation response in mechanical methods, and complexity and low reflection efficiency in non-mechanical optical phased array systems.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering device utilizing a transmission type meta structure with nanostructure rows and phase modulators, where each nanostructure row is independently controlled by electric signals to steer incident beams two-dimensionally, overcoming the limitations of mechanical and non-mechanical methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical beam steering using a motor is used, then the beam can be steered to the desired position, but the volume and cost of the steering system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical motor-driven beam steering system with an optical phased array (OPA) system that uses electromagnetic field manipulation. Instead of physically rotating components with motors, the invention uses phase modulation of light waves through electronic control of antenna elements, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and reducing system volume.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical beam steering using a motor is used, then the beam can be steered to the desired position, but noise is generated by use of the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates mechanical motors and their associated noise by substituting them with an electronic OPA system. The beam steering is achieved through electronic phase control of electromagnetic waves rather than mechanical rotation, completely removing the noise source generated by motor operation.
3Volume of stationary object
If beam steering using a MEMS structure is used, then compact size is achieved, but the viewing angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The OPA system divides the beam steering function into multiple independent antenna elements that can be individually controlled. By segmenting the aperture into many small elements with independent phase control, the system achieves both compact form factor and wide viewing angle capability through electronic beam steering across multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-degree-of-freedom mechanical rotation to two-dimensional electronic beam steering by controlling phase differences across multiple antenna elements arranged in a planar array. This adds a spatial dimension to beam control, enabling wide angular coverage in both azimuth and elevation planes simultaneously.
4Volume of stationary object
If beam steering using a MEMS structure is used, then compact size is achieved, but operation response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical MEMS moving parts with electronic phase control circuits. The beam steering response time is improved from microsecond mechanical movement to nanosecond electronic phase switching, achieving faster operation while maintaining compact size through static antenna element arrangements.
5Object-generated harmful factors
If optical phased array using waveguide is used, then non-mechanical beam steering is achieved, but circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the phase control circuits and antenna elements into a unified OPA module where multiple elements share common signal processing resources. By merging the control architecture and using systematic phase modulation techniques, the circuitry complexity is reduced compared to fully independent control of each waveguide element.
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 solution enables efficient two-dimensional beam steering with reduced complexity and increased visibility, improving the operational efficiency and reducing the need for complex circuitry and high-power light handling issues.
Implementation Method 1
a phase modulator including a nanoantenna in which a plurality of nanostructure rows in which a plurality of nanostructures are connected to each other are arranged and a meta surface including the plurality of nanostructure rows
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of drivers provided to independently apply an electric signal in unit of the nanostructure row to control a phase change of each of the plurality of nanostructure rows
Data Source
AI summary
A beam steering device and a system using the same are provided. The beam steering device includes a plurality of transmission type optical modulation devices provided to steer an incident beam in different directions, wherein each of the plurality of transmission type optical modulation devices includes: a phase modulator including a nanoantenna in which a plurality of nanostructure rows are arranged. Each of the nanostructure rows includes a plurality of nanostructures connected to each other. A meta surface includes the plurality of nanostructure rows. Each of the transmission type optical modulation devices also includes a plurality of drivers provided which independently apply an electric signal to each of the nanostructure rows to control a phase change thereof.