Phased-array optics

Phased-array optics is the technology of controlling the phase and amplitude of light waves transmitting, reflecting, or captured (received) by a two-dimensional surface using adjustable surface elements. An optical phased array (OPA) is the optical analog of a radio-wave phased array.[1] By dynamically controlling the optical properties of a surface on a microscopic scale, it is possible to steer the direction of light beams (in an OPA transmitter[2]), or the view direction of sensors (in an OPA receiver[3]), without any moving parts. Phased-array beam steering is used for optical switching and multiplexing in optoelectronic devices and for aiming laser beams on a macroscopic scale.

Complicated patterns of phase variation can be used to produce diffractive optical elements, such as dynamic virtual lenses, for beam focusing or splitting in addition to aiming. Dynamic phase variation can also produce real-time holograms. Devices permitting detailed addressable phase control over two dimensions are a type of spatial light modulator (SLM).

  1. ^ McManamon P. F.; et al. (May 15, 1996). "Optical phased array technology". Proceedings of the IEEE, Laser Radar Applications. 84 (2). IEEE: 99–320. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
  2. ^ Sun J.; et al. (January 1, 2013). "Large-scale nanophotonic phased array". Nature. 493 (195). Nature Publishing Group, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited: 195–199. Bibcode:2013Natur.493..195S. doi:10.1038/nature11727. PMID 23302859. S2CID 205231845.
  3. ^ Fatemi R.; et al. (Nov 12, 2018). "High sensitivity active flat optics optical phased array receiver with a two-dimensional aperture" (PDF). Opt. Express. 26 (23). Optical Society of America: 29983–29999. Bibcode:2018OExpr..2629983F. doi:10.1364/OE.26.029983. PMID 30469879.