Analysis of optical beam steering using phased micromirror arrays

Edward A. Watson; Angela R. Miller

doi:10.1117/12.234637

8 March 1996 Analysis of optical beam steering using phased micromirror arrays

Edward A. Watson, Angela R. Miller

Proceedings Volume 2687, Miniaturized Systems with Micro-Optics and Micromechanics; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.234637
Event: Photonics West '96, 1996, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Beam steering using a phased array of emitters is quite common in radar applications. However, the concept of phased array is equally valid at optical wavelengths. At these wavelengths, the beam steerers can consist of arrays of phase modulators which are space-fed; that is, a uniform-phase optical beam is incident on the array, and the modulators impart the required phase shift to effect steering. One potential method of implementing such an optical phased array is through the use of flexure-beam micromirrors. We present an analysis of examples of such arrays. We compare the steering efficiency of two different arrays, one of which is an array of square mirrors, and one of which is an array of a smaller number of rectangular mirrors. The effects of deviation of the mirrors from a pure piston phase shift is also discussed. Optical beam steering using micromirror arrays is compared to other beam steering techniques.

Citation Download Citation

Edward A. Watson and Angela R. Miller "Analysis of optical beam steering using phased micromirror arrays", Proc. SPIE 2687, Miniaturized Systems with Micro-Optics and Micromechanics, (8 March 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.234637

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