Fluid-Membrane VCSEL Beam Scanning for Higher Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam projectors face a trade-off between covering a large area of a scene and achieving high lateral spatial resolution, as static beams limit the extent of the illuminated area and resolution when projected closely together.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electro-optical device with a scanner comprising an array of cells with transparent entrance and exit faces and a volume of transparent fluid, where actuators deform the flexible membranes to deflect beams by refraction, allowing for angular scanning of multiple beams over specific ranges, enabling high lateral spatial resolution and flexible spot pattern generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple beams are projected closely together to achieve high lateral spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but the extent of the illuminated area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic scanning of laser beams using acousto-optic deflectors and mechanical scanners to redirect beams across different spatial positions. This allows the system to illuminate large areas over time while maintaining high spatial resolution at each scanned position, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and resolution by making the beam positions dynamic rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension through beam scanning, transforming a static 2D spatial arrangement into a dynamic 3D space-time system. By scanning beams across the scene over time, the system achieves both large area coverage and high spatial resolution, effectively adding a time dimension to resolve the spatial trade-off
2Adaptability or versatility
If beams are scanned in angular space using lateral movement of collimating lens, then angular coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical scanning approaches with a hybrid system incorporating acousto-optic deflectors that use acoustic waves to modulate light paths. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the same angular scanning function, as the acousto-optic effect provides beam deflection without requiring large mechanical movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional scanning system where a single collimating lens and scanner assembly can handle multiple beams simultaneously and perform both angular scanning and spatial positioning functions. This universal approach reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function
3Measurement precision
If multiple scanning mechanisms are used to scan beams in angular space, then angular coverage and resolution are improved, but device complexity and number of moving parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple scanning functions into a unified system where acousto-optic deflectors and mechanical scanners work together as an integrated scanning assembly. This combination achieves high angular resolution through coordinated operation of multiple components while reducing overall complexity compared to having entirely separate scanning mechanisms for each beam or function
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 allows for comprehensive scene coverage with high spatial resolution and independent scan angles, enhancing the capability to generate and scan one-dimensional or two-dimensional patterns, improving the performance of beam projectors in applications like 3D mapping.
Implementation Method 1
deflecting the one or more of the beams by refraction in the transparent fluid
Implementation Method 2
the at least one actuator includes at least one piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a radiation source, which is configured to emit a beam of light, and a scanning cell positioned to receive the beam of light. The scanning cell includes transparent entrance and exit faces, at least one of the faces including a flexible membrane. A transparent fluid is contained between the entrance and exit faces, so that the beam enters the transparent fluid through the entrance face and exits the transparent fluid through the exit face. At least one actuator is coupled to the flexible membrane, and configured, responsively to an applied electrical signal, to apply an asymmetrical deformation to the flexible membrane, thereby deflecting the beam by refraction in the transparent fluid.