Optical Waveguide Scanning via Refractive Index Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices are complex and prone to vibration, with existing techniques requiring intricate structures for two-dimensional scanning and light manipulation, which limits their robustness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning device utilizing a waveguide element with a pair of opposed 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, enabling one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning with a simpler structure by controlling phase differences across multiple waveguide elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical scanning devices use rotating mirrors or complex phased arrays, then optical scanning capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and vibration resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotating mirrors with a static waveguide-based optical system. Light propagation direction is controlled by adjusting the refractive index of the waveguide layer rather than mechanically moving components, eliminating vibration issues while maintaining scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the waveguide layer to control light emission direction. By dynamically adjusting this optical parameter, the system achieves scanning functionality without mechanical movement, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two-dimensional optical scanning is implemented using conventional methods, then scanning coverage is improved, but device complexity and structural intricacy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a planar waveguide structure where light propagates in one dimension within the waveguide but can be emitted in multiple directions by controlling refractive index at different positions. This allows two-dimensional scanning coverage while maintaining a fundamentally simple two-dimensional planar structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide layer serves multiple functions: it guides light propagation, controls emission direction through refractive index adjustment, and enables both one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each scanning dimension.
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 allows for robust, efficient one-dimensional and two-dimensional optical scanning without increasing the device complexity, enabling effective light manipulation and direction control, suitable for applications like LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide layer which propagates light inputted to the first waveguide and transmitted through the first waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror which has a higher light transmittance than a light transmittance of a second mirror and allows part of the light propagating through the optical waveguide layer to be emitted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An optical scanning device includes: a first mirror; a second mirror; two non-waveguide regions; an optical waveguide region; and a first adjusting element. The optical waveguide region propagates light. The optical waveguide region and the two non-waveguide regions include respective first regions in which a common material exists. The optical waveguide region or each of the two non-waveguide regions further includes a second region in which a first material having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the common material exists. The first mirror allows part of the light propagating through the optical waveguide region to be emitted through the first mirror. The first adjusting element changes at least either the average refractive index of the optical waveguide region or a thickness of the optical waveguide region to change a direction of the light emitted through the first mirror.