Summary of PHOTONIC CHIP STEERS LIGHT WITHOUT ANY MOVING PARTS
This article details a compact, solid-state LiDAR solution developed by Yokohama National University. The waveguide-based photonic chip steers laser beams over wide angles using slow-light modes in silicon lattice-shifted photonic crystal waveguides (LSPCW) and a prism lens. Unlike mechanical or OPA-based systems, this design eliminates moving parts, offering superior ruggedness, lower cost, and higher energy efficiency without complex phase control.
Parts used in the Waveguide-Based Photonic Chip:
- Laser beam input
- Silicon-based lattice-shifted photonic crystal waveguides (LSPCW)
- Six-stage TO Mach–Zehnder Si wire optical switch
- Prism lens
In search for a compact and reliable LiDAR solution, researchers from Yokohama National University in Japan have developed a waveguide-based photonic chip that takes a laser beam as an input and steers light beams over a wide range of selectable angles, without involving any moving parts, not even MEMS. by Julien Happich @ eenewseurope.com
Their results published in the Optica journal under the title “Wide beam steering by slow-light waveguide gratings and a prism lens” describe the use of so-called slow light modes achieved in a specially designed array of silicon-based lattice-shifted photonic crystal waveguides (LSPCW). Thanks to the integration of a six-stage TO Mach–Zehnder Si wire optical switch connected to each of the LSPCWs, the researchers demonstrated the selective light emission at discrete points of the lattice, which they could collimate thanks to a specially designed prism lens.
In search for a compact and reliable LiDAR solution, researchers from Yokohama National University in Japan have developed a waveguide-based photonic chip that takes a laser beam as an input and steers light beams over a wide range of selectable angles, without involving any moving parts, not even MEMS. by Julien Happich @ eenewseurope.com
Their results published in the Optica journal under the title “Wide beam steering by slow-light waveguide gratings and a prism lens” describe the use of so-called slow light modes achieved in a specially designed array of silicon-based lattice-shifted photonic crystal waveguides (LSPCW). Thanks to the integration of a six-stage TO Mach–Zehnder Si wire optical switch connected to each of the LSPCWs, the researchers demonstrated the selective light emission at discrete points of the lattice, which they could collimate thanks to a specially designed prism lens.
Such a device would be smaller and cheaper and more rugged than any LiDAR alternative using mechanical beam steering. It would also be more energy efficient than other solid-state LiDAR approaches proposed so far, relying on optical phased arrays (OPAs) which require complex optical phase control and a trade-off between the steering range, resolution, and efficiency.
Read more: PHOTONIC CHIP STEERS LIGHT WITHOUT ANY MOVING PARTS
- How does the new LiDAR solution steer light?
The device uses slow light modes achieved in specially designed silicon-based lattice-shifted photonic crystal waveguides. - Does the system involve any moving parts?
No, the chip steers light beams without involving any moving parts, not even MEMS. - What component allows for selective light emission at discrete points?
A six-stage TO Mach–Zehnder Si wire optical switch connected to each of the LSPCWs enables selective emission. - How is the emitted light collimated?
The researchers use a specially designed prism lens to collimate the light emitted from the lattice. - Is this device more energy efficient than optical phased arrays?
Yes, it is more energy efficient than other solid-state LiDAR approaches relying on optical phased arrays. - Why is this LiDAR considered more rugged?
It is smaller and more rugged because it lacks mechanical beam steering components. - What makes this approach cheaper than alternatives?
The absence of mechanical parts and complex optical phase control reduces costs compared to other solutions.
