High-Precision Beam Angle Expander Based on Polymeric Liquid Crystal Polarization Lenses for LiDAR Applications

Abstract

A novel beam steering angle expander is demonstrated by cascading two polymeric liquid crystal polarization lenses with different diopters. The lens module performs as a planar telescope, which has features such as a light weight, low cost, and high precision. The magnifier offers wide-angle, continuous steering when integrated with an active fine-angle beam steering device. The potential application for LiDAR is emphasized.

High-speed non-mechanical beam steering using a swelling liquid crystal gel film with polymer concentration gradient

“…The latter plan is important for practical applications, and there are four main methods: (1) use of multiple LC devices, (2) optimization of materials, (3) optimization of the formation of a refractive index gradient, and (4) use of beam steering angle expanders. 27,28) Recalling the equation θ = d•n Δ , increasing the cell gap effectively increases the steering angle, but it is impractical owing to an increase in driving voltage. As an alternative, the use of multiple LC devices (e.g.…”

Recent Advances in Light Detection and Ranging: Optical Modulation Solutions and Novel Nanotechnologies

“…The BAE system developed by Li and colleagues offers a promising solution for extending the field of view in LiDAR systems, providing high-quality imaging in a range of practical situations. [120] MEMS scanning technology represents a versatile quasi-solid form that seamlessly integrates microelectronics, mechanical, and optical technologies. By utilizing a drive circuit, it enables the attainment of the desired field of view (FOV) and precise control over the scanning angle.…”

“…The BAE system developed by Li and colleagues offers a promising solution for extending the field of view in LiDAR systems, providing high‐quality imaging in a range of practical situations. [ 120 ]…”

Angle amplifier in a 2D beam scanning system based on peristrophic multiplexed volume Bragg gratings

“…Nonetheless, with the increasing number of grating stages, the overall efficiency is obviously affected by steering efficiency, scattering, absorption and Fresnel loss. Recently, an angle amplifier realized by a telescope structure composed of LCPLs has also been developed rapidly [ 19 , 20 ] .…”

“…Due to the outstanding performance in terms of the size, agility and reliability of non-mechanical beam steering devices, they play an important role in optoelectronic systems such as laser radar, free-space laser communication, laser weapons and laser countermeasures [1,2] . Various approaches have been explored to achieve non-mechanical beam steering control, including microlens arrays [3,4] , optical phased arrays based on dynamic liquid crystals (LCOPAs) [5][6][7][8] , integrated optical phased arrays [9][10][11][12] , liquid crystal prisms [13,14] , liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) [15][16][17] , liquid crystal polarization lenses (LCPLs) [18][19][20] , electro-optic deflectors [21,22] , etc. In highpower scenarios, it is still difficult for a single electro-Correspondence to: Fanyu Kong, Key Laboratory of Materials for High Power Laser, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.…”