Dynamic optical grating device

Details Dynamic optical grating device Dynamic optical grating device

1991-02-21

1993-06-22

Epps, Georgia Y.

Coherent light generators

Particular beam control device

Modulation

372 20, 372 22, 372 45, 372 50, 257 21, 359318, H01S 310

Patent

active

052220710

ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to an apparatus including a semiconductor grating whose optical properties can be changed electrically in order to steer a diffracted laser beam with no moving parts. Lithographically defined portions, stripes or areas formed in a semiconductor quantum well region used in association with selectable voltage supply means enable control of the optical characteristics of the grating. The optical properties of the semiconductor quantum well region vary in response to variations in voltage applied to the areas which in turn change the transmissivity or reflectivity of the areas. By selectively applying voltages, the diffraction pattern obtained in the far-field from illuminating the areas is thus controlled and beam steering results. By using a two-dimensional array of areas, or alternatively using two such one dimensional arrays, beam steering in two dimensions may be accomplished. Using a Fabry-Perot cavity allows large reflectivity changes to occur from the absorption changes, and another external Fabry-Perot cavity increases the optical power steered into the diffracted modes. Electronically addressing a large number of areas can be achieved using a number of standard methods.

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Shams et al, "Monlithic Integration of GaAs-(GaAl)As Light Modulators and Distributed-Bragg-Reflector Lasers", App. Phys. Lett., 32(5), Mar. 1978, pp. 314-316.
Pezeshki et al.; "Optimization of modulation ratio and insertion loss in reflective electroabsorption modulators" Applied Physics Letters, vol. 57 (Oct. 8, 1990); pp. 1491-1492.
Froberg: "rpp GHZ electrically steerable conducting antenna array"; Applied Physics Letters, vol. 58 (Feb. 4, 1991); pp. 446-448.
Applied Physical Letters, vol. 52, p. 1116.
"Quantum Well Optoelectronic Switching Devices", International Journal of High Speed Electronics, vol. 1, No. 1 (1990), 19-46.

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