Two-dimensional optical beam deflector operated by wavelength tuning

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Photonics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Optical beam steering is crucial for applications like free-space optical communication and laser scanning.
• Existing methods often face limitations in speed, resolution, or complexity.
• A need exists for efficient and scalable beam steering techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and theoretically formulate a new method for two-dimensional (2D) raster optical beam steering.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of this method using an optical delay line structure.
• To enable precise control of laser beam direction through wavelength tuning.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a plane-parallel plate to split a laser beam into N co-directional sub-beams.
• Introducing relative time delays between sub-beams to create a phased array.
• Extending the 1D scheme to 2D using two plates in series for N x N sub-beams.
• Achieving beam steering by tuning the laser wavelength.

Main Results:

• Theoretical derivation and formulation of the 2D raster optical beam steering principle.
• Demonstration of wavelength-tuning-induced phase differences for beam steering.
• Preliminary experimental validation with four sub-beams showing the raster effect.
• The far-field interference pattern can be steered across a receive plane.

Conclusions:

• The proposed optical delay line method offers a viable approach for 2D raster beam steering.
• Wavelength tuning provides a mechanism for precise and repeatable beam deflection.
• The technique shows promise for applications requiring controlled laser beam manipulation.