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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
05:57
Characterization of SiN Integrated Optical Phased Arrays on a Wafer-Scale Test Station
Published on: April 1, 2020
8.6K
Fast and wide-range optical beam steering with ultralow side lobes by applying an optimized multi-circular optical
Applied Optics
|August 18, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a novel multi-circular optical phased array (OPA) for rapid, wide-range beam steering. Optimized element spacing significantly reduces side lobes, enabling efficient optical beam control for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Antenna Theory and Design
Background:
- Optical phased arrays (OPAs) are crucial for beam steering.
- Achieving wide-range steering with low side lobes remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and simulate a multi-circular OPA for fast, wide-range optical beam steering with ultralow side lobes.
- To optimize radical element spacings for enhanced side lobe suppression.
Main Methods:
- A multi-circular OPA with circularly symmetrical distribution was designed.
- A modified genetic algorithm was employed to optimize radical element spacings.
- Far-field patterns and beam steering capabilities were investigated through simulation.
Main Results:
- The optimized 73-element multi-circular OPA achieved a peak side lobe level (PSLL) of 0.0715, significantly outperforming uniform spacing (PSLL 0.3686).
- Wide-angle beam steering (0°–30° elevation, 0°–360° azimuth) with minimal PSLL variation (<0.001) was demonstrated.
- The OPA enables fast beam steering without redistribution updates after initial optimization.
Conclusions:
- The proposed multi-circular OPA design offers superior side lobe suppression and efficient wide-range beam steering.
- This technology holds promise for applications in laser radar, high-resolution displays, and free-space optical communications.
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