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All-solid-state omnidirectional fast scanning using liquid crystal optical phased array and conical mirror.
Optics Express
|August 13, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an innovative omnidirectional scanning model using a liquid crystal optical phased array (LC-OPA) and a conical mirror. This system significantly enhances the field of view and reduces scanning time for optical phased arrays without mechanical parts.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Solid-State Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical phased arrays (OPAs) enable mechanical-free beam steering.
- Current OPAs face limitations in scanning field of view (FOV) and scanning speed.
- Addressing these limitations is crucial for advancing OPA applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an omnidirectional scanning model for OPAs.
- To overcome the narrow FOV and long scanning periods of conventional OPAs.
- To integrate liquid crystal OPAs with conical mirrors for enhanced performance.
Main Methods:
- Proposed an omnidirectional scanning model combining a liquid crystal optical phased array (LC-OPA) and a conical mirror.
- Generated annular beams using the LC-OPA.
- Integrated the LC-OPA with a passive conical mirror for beam manipulation.
Main Results:
- Achieved a scanning field of view (FOV) of 360°×2.1°.
- Demonstrated a scanning error of less than 0.04°.
- Reduced the scanning period to 1/4800 of a 2D grating system, with no mechanical parts.
Conclusions:
- The combined LC-OPA and conical mirror system effectively achieves omnidirectional scanning.
- This novel approach significantly expands the FOV and accelerates scanning speeds.
- The system offers a promising solution for future solid-state beam steering applications.
