Vertical Waveguide Beam Steering With Resonant Solid-State Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges with beam steering methods that require expensive detector arrays, high illumination power, and limited ability to leverage techniques such as compressed sensing, particularly in scanning LIDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of solid-state spatial light modulators (SS-SLMs) with quantum confining structures and resonant structures for beam steering, which provide efficient, fast, and cost-effective beam steering with no moving parts, enabling larger angular scanning ranges and higher resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beam steering methods are used, then beam direction can be changed, but expensive detector arrays and high illumination power are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems (galvanometers, mirrors) with solid-state spatial light modulators that use electro-optic or acousto-optic effects to deflect beams electronically, eliminating the need for expensive detector arrays and mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using resonant structures tuned to specific frequencies to enhance beam interaction, allowing efficient beam steering with lower illumination power through resonant coupling between the acoustic field and optical beam
2Reliability
If conventional beam steering methods are used, then beam direction can be changed, but high illumination power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant structures tuned to specific frequencies to enhance beam interaction, allowing efficient beam steering with lower illumination power through resonant coupling between the acoustic field and optical beam
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic acoustic waves in the resonant structure to create time-varying refractive index gratings that periodically modulate the beam path, enabling efficient energy transfer and reduced power requirements compared to continuous non-resonant methods
3Reliability
If conventional beam steering methods are used, then beam direction can be changed, but scanning speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems with solid-state spatial light modulators that use electro-optic or acousto-optic effects to deflect beams electronically, eliminating mechanical inertia and achieving much faster scanning speeds with no moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic acoustic waves in the resonant structure to create time-varying refractive index gratings that periodically modulate the beam path, enabling efficient energy transfer and reduced power requirements compared to continuous non-resonant methods
4Speed
If solid-state spatial light modulators with resonant structures are used, then scanning speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resonant structure with the spatial light modulator into a single integrated device, combining the acoustic resonance chamber and optical modulation elements to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining high scanning speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the acoustic field for beam deflection, acts as the modulation medium, and provides resonant enhancement for efficiency, thereby reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture
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
SS-SLMs enable faster scanning times, reduced system size and weight, lower power consumption, and improved performance through novel tradeoffs, allowing for efficient beam steering in LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
solid-state spatial light modulators (SS-SLMs) with quantum confining structures
Implementation Method 2
resonant structures for beam steering
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems having a vertical waveguide array are provided having a plurality of vertical waveguides disposed on a support substrate in an array, where each vertical waveguide further includes a reflective layer positioned to reflect impinging light toward the support substrate, a core region extending from the reflective layer to the support substrate, the core region further comprising, a first contact region and a second contact region electrically isolated from one another disposed between the reflective layer and the support substrate, and a low refractive index material disposed between the first contact region and the second contact region. The first contact region and the second contact region are operable to create a voltage drop across the low refractive index material and the low refractive index material has a lower refractive index compared to the refractive indexes of the first contact region and the second contact region. Additionally, a confinement structure surrounds the periphery of each waveguide, where the confinement structure has a lower refractive index compared to the refractive indexes of the first contact region and the second contact region.