Title: Beam-steering system based on a MEMS-actuated vertical-coupler array

Abstract

An integrated-optics MEMS-actuated beam-steering system is disclosed, wherein the beam-steering system includes a lens and a programmable vertical coupler array having a switching network and an array of vertical couplers, where the switching network can energize of the vertical couplers such that it efficiently emits the light into free-space. The lens collimates the light received from the energized vertical coupler and directs the output beam along a propagation direction determined by the position of the energized vertical coupler within the vertical-coupler array. In some embodiments, the vertical coupler is configured to correct an aberration of the lens. In some embodiments, more than one vertical coupler can be energized to enable steering of multiple output beams. In some embodiments, the switching network is non-blocking.

Inventors:

Zhang, Xiaosheng; Wu, Ming-Chiang A.; Michaels, Andrew S.; Henriksson, Johannes

Issue Date:

2022-09-13

Research Org.:

Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E); National Science Foundation (NSF)

OSTI Identifier:

1925098

Patent Number(s):

11441353

Application Number:

17/252,671

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California (Oakland, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

E - FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS E06 - DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL E06B - FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES

G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02F - DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH IS MODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THE DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY, COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g. SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING

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E - FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS E06 - DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL E06B - FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES

E06B9/325 - Immobilising devices preventing raising
E06B9/326 - Details of cords, e.g. buckles, drawing knobs
E06B9/34 - roller-type
E06B9/42 - Parts or details of roller blinds, e.g. suspension devices, blind boxes
E06B9/80 - Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening

G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02F - DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH IS MODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THE DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY, COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g. SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING

G02F1/29 - for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
G02F1/292 - {by controlled diffraction or phased-array beam steering
G02F1/3132 - {of directional coupler type
G02F1/3137 - {with intersecting or branching waveguides, e.g. X-switches and Y-junctions}

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DOE Contract Number:  

AR0000849; EEC0812072

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 06/19/2019

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING