Demonstration of 3-dimensional wide-angle no-moving-parts laser beam steering

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Date
2004-10-20
Authors
Khan, Sajjad A.
Riza, Nabeel A.
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Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
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Abstract
Design and demonstration of a versatile liquid crystal-based scanner is shown for steering a laser beam in three dimensions. The scanner consists of a unique combination of digital and analog control polarization-based beamforming optics resulting in both continuous and random fashion beam steering. The scanner features a novel device biasing method, large aperture beamforming optics, low electrical power consumption, and ultra-fine as well as wide angle coarse beam steering. Demonstrations include one, two and three dimensional beam steering with a maximum of 40.92° continuous scan, all at 1550 nm. The minimum scanner aperture is 1 cm diameter and uses a combination of ferroelectric and nematic liquid crystals in addition to Rutile crystal birefringent prisms.
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Keywords
Optical communications , Polarization-sensitive devices , Optical scanners , Liquid crystals , Prisms , Polarization , Crystals , Scanners , Liquid crystals , Switches , 3D scanning
Citation
Khan, S. A. and Riza, N. A. (2004) 'Demonstration of 3-dimensional wide-angle no-moving-parts laser beam steering', Proceedings of SPIE 5550, Free-Space Laser Communications IV, Optical Science and Technology, the SPIE 49th Annual Meeting, 2004, Denver, Colorado, United States, doi: 10.1117/12.561810
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© 2004 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.