Wavelength-Shifting Waveguide for Omnidirectional High Data Rate Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high data rate communication systems, such as those used in virtual or augmented reality, face limitations in user mobility due to the need for precise pointing and tracking in free-space optical communication links, and wired links restrict motion, necessitating a solution for high data rate wireless communication without these constraints.
Innovation Solution
The use of wavelength-shifting (WLS) materials in wireless receivers that act as waveguides to receive and direct photons from a wide range of incidence angles, allowing for flexible attachment and orientation, enabling high data rate communication without the need for precise aiming or tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional free-space optical communication links are used, then high data rate communication is achieved, but pointing and tracking accuracy requirements severely limit system flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light reception from directional detection to omnidirectional detection. By using a spherical optical waveguide with wavelength-shifting material, the system accepts light from all incident angles (0-360 degrees) rather than requiring precise angular alignment, thereby achieving high data rates without stringent pointing and tracking requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength-shifting material as an intermediary between the incoming optical signal and the detector. This material absorbs light at one wavelength and emits at a different wavelength, enabling the optical waveguide to capture and guide light from any direction to the detector, thus decoupling high data rate reception from precise pointing requirements
2Productivity
If conventional optical receivers with small area photodiodes are used, then high data rate communication is achieved, but pointing and tracking accuracy constraints severely limit user mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the reception geometry from a small-area directional photodiode to a large-area omnidirectional spherical waveguide. This parameter change allows the receiver to maintain high data rate communication while accommodating free user movement and arbitrary orientations without requiring precise pointing and tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical optical waveguide receiver performs multiple functions: it receives optical signals from any incident angle, guides the light internally through total internal reflection, and converts wavelengths to match the detector's sensitivity. This universal reception capability enables high data rate communication regardless of user position or orientation
3Productivity
If wired communication links are used, then high data rate connection is achieved, but user motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of a wired connection with an optical wireless communication system. By using optical photons transmitted through air and detected by the omnidirectional waveguide receiver, the system achieves high data rates without any physical connection, thereby enabling complete user mobility and freedom of motion
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 allows for reliable high data rate communication over a wide range of orientations and angles, increasing user mobility and reducing the complexity of tracking requirements, while maintaining data rates comparable to or exceeding conventional optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
use wavelength-shifting (WLS) materials in a wireless receiver to facilitate high data rate communication. In these embodiments, the WLS material acts as a waveguide to receive a wireless signal from a source and guide the received signal to a detector
Implementation Method 2
the WLS material acts as a waveguide to receive a wireless signal from a source and guide the received signal to a detector of the wireless receiver
Implementation Method 3
use visible wavelengths (approximately 375 nanometers to 700 nanometers) or near-visible wavelengths (approximately 100 microns to 700 nanometers), radio-frequency wavelengths, microwave wavelengths, or millimeter wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Various of the disclosed embodiments incorporate wavelength-shifting (WLS) materials to facilitate high data rate communication. Some embodiments employ a waveguide incorporating such WLS materials to receive a wireless signal from a source. The signal may be, e.g., in the optical or ultraviolet ranges, facilitating a ˜10 Gbps data rate. Because the WLS material is sensitive in all directions, the source may be isotropic or wide-angled. The WLS material may be shaped into one or more “bands” that may cover an object, e.g., a head-mounted display. A detector may be coupled with the bands to receive the wavelength-shifted signal and to recover the original signal from the source. The WLS material may be modified to improve the waveguide retention, e.g., by incorporating layers of material having a different reflection coefficient or a Bragg reflector.