2D Optical Beam Steering via Wavelength and Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with optical phased arrays (OPAs) face challenges in achieving two-dimensional solid-state beam steering, as they are limited to one-dimensional beam steering and struggle to cover a wide range of angles effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of tunable optical phased arrays with wavelength-controlled and phase-shift-controlled angular tuning ranges, utilizing grating antennas and phase shifters, allows for the emission and reception of light beams over a wide range of angles by combining wavelength-controlled and phase-shift-controlled angular offsets, enabling two-dimensional beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linear distribution of grating antennas is used in an optical phased array, then beam steering can be performed rapidly in a solid-state manner, but the system is limited to one-dimensional beam steering and cannot cover a wide range of angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear grating antenna distribution to two-dimensional planar grating antenna distribution. This dimensional change enables the system to achieve two-dimensional beam steering capability, allowing beams to be steered in both azimuth and elevation directions simultaneously, thereby resolving the limitation of one-dimensional beam steering while maintaining solid-state rapid switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical phased array into multiple independent grating antenna elements arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. Each grating antenna element can be independently controlled with individual phase shifters, enabling flexible beam forming and steering in two dimensions. This segmentation approach allows the system to achieve wide angular coverage while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical phased arrays are used to cover a wide field of view, then angular coverage is improved, but the system complexity, power consumption, size, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single optical phased array with two-dimensional grating antenna distribution that can perform multiple functions: it can steer beams in both azimuth and elevation directions, cover a wide field of view, and maintain solid-state rapid switching capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate optical phased arrays, thereby reducing system complexity, power consumption, size, and weight while achieving the desired wide angular coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If wavelength tuning is used to control beam angle, then angular tuning range is achieved, but the wavelength tuning range must be large which may affect system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the relationship between optical wavelength and beam steering angle by implementing grating antennas with specific periodic structures. By changing the wavelength of the optical signal, the beam steering angle is controlled through the grating equation. The two-dimensional grating antenna distribution allows the system to achieve wide angular tuning range while maintaining reasonable wavelength tuning requirements, as the angular deflection is determined by both the wavelength change and the grating period geometry
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 solution enables optical transceivers to cover a larger field of view, reducing complexity, power consumption, size, and weight, while allowing for multiple beams to be transmitted by a single optical phased array, thereby enhancing the capability for 2D beam steering.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sets of grating elements distributed along the waveguide and configured to perturb a portion of the optical wave as it propagates along the waveguide to emit a plurality of beams at different respective angles
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises: at least one optical source port providing an optical wave having a tunable spectral peak wavelength; one or more transmitting optical phased arrays (OPAs), each: coupled to the optical source port, wherein the OPAs form beams with a wavelength-controlled angular tuning range within a first plane and a phase-shift-controlled angular tuning range within a perpendicular plane; and receiving OPAs, each: coupled to a coherent receiver and configured to receive optical waves characterized by a wavelength-controlled angular tuning range within the first plane and a phase-shift-controlled angular tuning range within the perpendicular plane. At least two beams' wavelength-controlled angular tuning ranges are at least partially non-overlapping, and each of the receiving OPAs' wavelength-controlled angular tuning ranges at least one partially overlaps with at least one of the wavelength-controlled angular tuning ranges of the beams.