Optical Waveguide Scanning via Dielectric Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning devices are complex and prone to vibration, with configurations that require intricate wiring and phase control for two-dimensional scanning, limiting their robustness and scanning range.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide element with a pair of mirrors and an optical waveguide layer, where the refractive index, thickness, or wavelength can be adjusted to change the light emission direction, allowing for one-dimensional or two-dimensional scanning without the need for complex phase shifting and wiring, enabling a simpler and more robust scanning configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical scanning devices use mirror rotation or optical phased arrays with multiple antenna elements, then optical scanning capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and robustness against vibration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two functional substrates: a first substrate containing the optical waveguide layer with dielectric members for light guidance, and a second substrate containing mirror elements for light deflection. This segmentation allows each substrate to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining scanning functionality and vibration robustness through separate functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical phase control systems and intricate wiring required in optical phased arrays with a simplified optical path control mechanism. By using dielectric members to guide light and mirror elements to deflect it, the system eliminates the need for complex electrical phase shifters and wiring, reducing device complexity while maintaining scanning capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical phased arrays use multiple antenna elements with phase shifters, then two-dimensional scanning is achieved, but wiring complexity and phase control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex phase shifter wiring system from the optical scanning device. Instead of using multiple antenna elements each requiring independent phase control wiring, the system uses a single optical waveguide layer with dielectric members that naturally guide light to different mirror elements, achieving two-dimensional scanning without intricate wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric members act as intermediaries between the light source and mirror elements. These dielectric members guide and direct light paths to different mirror elements, enabling two-dimensional scanning coverage without requiring direct electrical connections or phase shifters at each antenna element location.
3Ease of operation
If mirror rotation devices are used for optical scanning, then scanning functionality is achieved, but device complexity and vibration susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating mirrors to change scan direction, the invention inverts the approach by using fixed mirror elements at different positions and angles. The light path is dynamically controlled by the dielectric members directing light to different stationary mirror elements, achieving scanning functionality without mechanical rotation and its associated complexity and vibration issues.
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 enables efficient one-dimensional and two-dimensional optical scanning with a simpler structure, improving robustness against vibration and allowing for wider scanning ranges without the complexity of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide layer 20 and one or more dielectric members 21. The dielectric members 21 are positioned between the pair of mirrors and extend in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of waveguide elements 10 includes a pair of mirrors 30, 40 that face each other
Implementation Method 3
one or more dielectric members 21. The dielectric members 21 are positioned between the pair of mirrors and extend in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of separation walls, one or more optical waveguides, and one or more spacers. The first substrate has a surface which extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The plurality of separation walls are positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate and extend in the first direction. The one or more optical waveguides are positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate and include one or more dielectric members which are positioned between the plurality of separation walls and which extend in the first direction. The one or more spacers are directly or indirectly sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and positioned around the one or more optical waveguides.