Waveguide Beam Scanning With Lens Position-to-Angle Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning technologies, such as mechanical systems and optical phased arrays, face challenges with high cost, mechanical wear, limited sensing distance, and precise phase control, which affect beam quality and pointing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A beam scanning system using optical waveguides and a lens for position-to-angle conversion without moving parts, enabling 1D or 2D beam scanning by switching light through an array of waveguides and utilizing a lens to collimate beams into unique directions based on waveguide positions, combined with optical switches and couplers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical scanning systems are used, then beam scanning is achieved, but mechanical wear and high cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an optical waveguide-based system. Instead of using moving mechanical mirrors or lenses to steer the beam, the invention uses an array of optical waveguides with selective coupling to direct light into different propagation paths. This eliminates mechanical wear and reduces system complexity while maintaining beam scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple discrete waveguide channels, each capable of carrying light to a specific direction. By segmenting the beam path into separate waveguide segments, the system achieves scanning without mechanical movement, as each waveguide acts as an independent optical channel that can be selectively activated.
2Measurement precision
If optical phased arrays are used, then beam scanning is achieved, but precise phase control and high cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electronic phase control system of optical phased arrays with a passive optical waveguide system. Instead of actively controlling the phase of light in each element through electronic modulation, the invention uses the physical geometry and optical path differences inherent in the waveguide array to achieve beam steering. This eliminates the need for precise real-time phase control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves beam pointing control by changing the optical path length and physical geometry of the waveguide channels rather than adjusting phase electronically. The different propagation constants and path lengths of the waveguides create constructive interference in specific directions, achieving precise beam pointing through geometric parameter design rather than active phase control.
3Measurement precision
If waveguide switching with lens is used, then beam scanning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waveguide array and lens system into an integrated structure where the waveguide output faces are positioned at the focal plane of the lens. This combination allows the lens to collimate the light from each waveguide while the waveguide geometry provides the angular separation. The merging of these two components achieves high scanning accuracy without requiring separate complex control systems.
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 reduces complexity, power consumption, and cost while achieving high beam quality and accuracy, suitable for low-cost, high-speed 3D sensing applications like LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
a lens spaced from the common plane of the waveguide output ports by a distance equal to or near a focal length of the lens to receive the optical beam from the waveguide output ports to direct the optical beam from each waveguide to a unique beam direction based on a position of a waveguide output port
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and devices for beam scanning using optical waveguides and an optical lens without moving parts for various applications including scanning light from a source to multiple waveguides or fibers with their terminals being in a 1D or 2D array for various applications including, e.g., ranging applications such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR), time of flight (ToF), coherent detection with a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) laser, or microwave photonic FMCW source.