Beam steering device using liquid crystal polarization gratings
US11467327B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/07
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present disclosure provides numerous applications for the use of liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) to controllably steer light. When combined with an image sensor, light generated or reflected from different fields of view (FOV) can be steered, allowing an increase in the FOV or the resolution of the image. Further, the LCPG can stabilize the resulting image, counteracting any movement of the image sensor. The combination of LCPGs and liquid crystal waveguides (LCWGs) allows fine deflection control of light (from the LCWG) over a wild field of view (from the LCPG). Further applications of LCPGs include object tracking and the production of depth images using multiple imaging units and independently steered LCPGs. The LCPG may be used in controlling both the projection and reception of light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.