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Polarized beam steering using multiply-cascaded rotating polarization gratings
Applied Optics
|March 10, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel polarized laser beam steering system using rotating polarization gratings (PGs). This system achieves high optical throughput and rapid rotation for applications in light detection, imaging, and laser displays.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Traditional beam steering systems face limitations in optical throughput and speed.
- Polarization gratings (PGs) offer a theoretical 100% diffraction efficiency, ideal for efficient beam manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel polarized laser beam steering system utilizing multiply cascaded rotating polarization gratings (PGs).
- To analyze the theoretical performance of two- and four-PG systems and demonstrate experimental feasibility.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of beam steering performance for cascaded PG configurations.
- Experimental fabrication of PGs using photocrosslinkable polymer liquid crystal films via photo-alignment.
- Demonstration of beam steering by projecting Lissajous and raster patterns.
Main Results:
- The system achieves high optical throughput due to the inherent efficiency of PGs.
- The rotating PG system demonstrates faster rotation compared to wedge prism pairs.
- Experimental results show high diffraction efficiency (83–89%) and ellipticity (96–99%) during rotation.
Conclusions:
- The developed polarized laser beam steering system is feasible and efficient.
- The system's high performance and rapid rotation make it suitable for advanced optical applications.
- Potential applications include light detection and ranging (LiDAR), optical imaging, and laser displays.
