Array of sub-aperture refractive elements for steering a light beam
US10120261B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/24
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present subject matter includes apparatus and techniques that can be used to reduce losses in systems that perform steering of a light beam. Such steering can be performed in a non-mechanical manner, such as using an electrically-controlled optical structure (e.g., an electro-optical structure). For example, a waveguide can be used to adjust an angle of a light beam (e.g., steer the light beam). The waveguide can include a core, a cladding including an electro-optic material, and electrodes defining an arrangement that, when selectively energized, adjusts an index of refraction of the electro-optic material. In particular, electrode arrangements as described herein can be used to reduce losses, such as losses that would occur due to diffraction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.