Demonstration of a new optical scanner using silicon photonics integrated circuit

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Integrated Circuit Technology
• Sensor Development

Background:

• Solid-state scanners offer advantages in reliability and size for Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems.
• Existing LIDAR technologies often require mechanical components, impacting size and durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and demonstrate a novel, movement-free optical scanner.
• To leverage silicon photonics integrated circuit technology for LIDAR applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an optical scanner using silicon photonics.
• Integration of a ring resonator multiplexer and grating arrays.
• Implementation of a beam switching method for movement-free operation.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of the optical scanner's operation.
• Achieved a scanning angle of 6 degrees.
• The scanner is movement-free due to its beam switching mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Silicon photonics enables the development of compact and reliable solid-state scanners.
• The demonstrated movement-free optical scanner is suitable for LIDAR sensors.
• Potential applications include automotive sensing for automated cruising.