Optical Scanning Device Waveguide Array Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices are complex, prone to vibration, and have limited scanning range due to intricate structures and the need for multiple phase shifters and wavelength changing mechanisms, making them inefficient for robust and large-scale scanning.
Innovation Solution
A novel optical scanning device featuring a waveguide array with mirrors and an optical waveguide layer, where the refractive index and thickness of the waveguide layer are adjusted to change the emission direction of light, and phase shifters are used to control phase differences for two-dimensional scanning, simplifying the structure and enhancing scanning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical scanning devices use multiple phase shifters and wavelength changing mechanisms, then scanning precision can be improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the wavelength changing mechanism from the optical scanning device, retaining only the necessary phase shifters. This simplifies the device structure while maintaining scanning precision through the remaining phase control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the phase shifters serve multiple functions: they control both the phase and amplitude of the optical signal, and enable both one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical scanning devices use intricate structures with multiple components, then scanning range can be extended, but reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wavelength changing mechanism and other non-essential components, keeping only the core phase shifter array and optical waveguide structure. This reduction in component count improves reliability while the phase shifters maintain versatile scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical scanning function into multiple independent phase shifters arranged in an array, where each element can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows for extended scanning range through coordinated control while maintaining reliability through modular independence.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical scanning devices use multiple moving parts and complex mechanisms, then scanning precision can be maintained, but the device becomes more susceptible to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning mechanisms with an all-optical phase control system. The phase shifters electronically control the optical phase and amplitude without moving parts, eliminating vibration susceptibility while maintaining scanning precision through phase modulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical scanning devices use intricate structures, then scanning range can be increased, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the wavelength changing mechanism and other complex subsystems, leaving a simplified structure based on phase shifters and optical waveguides that is easier to manufacture while maintaining scanning range through phase control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into the phase shifter array, which handles phase control, amplitude control, and scanning direction control in a single integrated structure, simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 device achieves efficient one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning with a simpler structure, improved robustness against vibration, and increased scanning range without the need for complex wavelength changing mechanisms, suitable for applications like LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of waveguide elements including an optical waveguide layer through which light propagates
Implementation Method 2
a first adjusting element that changes the refractive index and/or thickness of the optical waveguide layer in each of the waveguide elements to change a second direction component of a wave vector
Implementation Method 3
a second adjusting element that changes phase differences between light beams propagating from the plurality of phase shifters to the plurality of waveguide elements
Implementation Method 4
each of the waveguide elements further includes a first mirror extending in the second direction and having a reflecting surface that intersects the third direction and a second mirror extending in the second direction and having a reflecting surface that faces the reflecting surface of the first mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning device comprises a waveguide array, a first adjusting element, a plurality of phase shifters, a second adjusting element, and a control circuit. When light emitted from the waveguide array forms a light spot on a virtual plane that is spaced apart from the waveguide array, the control circuit causes the light spot to move in first and second directions such that the distance of movement of the light spot from start to finish of scanning of a target region is greater in first one of the first and second directions than in second one of the first and second directions.