Waveguide Grating Light Projection for 3D Sensing Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light projecting technologies are hindered by high costs, large size, and low integration, which limit the development of device functionalities such as 3D camera modules in mobile phones and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A light projecting system utilizing a waveguide with a first surface featuring a plurality of grating structures and a reflective layer, and a second surface with a reflective layer, where the grating structures disrupt reflections to couple out light beams, allowing for efficient projection of structured light without the need for multiple lasers, and enabling integration on a substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional light projecting technologies are used, then light projection functionality can be achieved, but the cost is high and the device size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical light projection systems (multiple lasers, mirrors, beam splitters) with a photonic integrated circuit that uses waveguides and grating structures to project light. This substitution of mechanical components with integrated photonic structures reduces manufacturing cost and device size while maintaining light projection functionality for 3D sensing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple light projection functions into a single integrated waveguide structure. Multiple gratings are formed on different surfaces of the same waveguide, allowing a single device to perform structured light projection that previously required multiple separate laser sources and optical components, thereby reducing overall system cost and complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional light projecting technologies are used, then light projection functionality can be achieved, but the device size is large and integration is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple grating structures within and on the surfaces of a single waveguide component. The first grating is formed on the first surface, the second grating on the second surface, and the third grating within the waveguide material itself. This nesting of multiple functional elements within a single integrated structure achieves high-level integration while maintaining all necessary light projection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional waveguide structures with gratings positioned on different surfaces and at different depths within the waveguide material. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows compact integration of multiple optical functions that would otherwise require separate planar components, significantly reducing device footprint while maintaining functionality.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and system size while enhancing integration, enabling effective 3D feature detection and mapping by projecting structured light efficiently, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide is configured to guide an in-coupled light beam to undergo reflections between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer. The first plurality of grating structures are configured to disrupt the reflections to cause at least a portion of the in-coupled light beam to couple out of the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The first surface comprises a first plurality of grating structures. The first plurality of grating structures are configured to disrupt the reflections to cause at least a portion of the in-coupled light beam to couple out of the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
The first surface other than the first plurality of grating structures comprises a first reflective layer. The second surface comprises a second reflective layer. The waveguide is configured to guide an in-coupled light beam to undergo reflections between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a first plurality of grating structures. The first surface other than the first plurality of grating structures comprises a first reflective layer. The second surface comprises a second reflective layer. The waveguide is configured to guide an in-coupled light beam to undergo reflections between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer. The first plurality of grating structures are configured to disrupt the reflections to cause at least a portion of the in-coupled light beam to couple out of the waveguide and project from the first surface, the portion of the in-coupled light beam coupled out of the waveguide forming out-coupled light beams.