Agile-Beam Laser Array Transmitter

Beam-steering technology is leveraged in multiple applications, spanning optical communications, imaging, scanning, laser microscopy, and DNA analysis. The technology's growing adoption underscores the need for more advanced, adaptable, and efficient mechanisms. Substandards of preceding beam-steering technologies, including the large size of projectors, reduced angular coverage, and lower efficiency, were substantial limitations. The problem with the traditional beam-steering methods lies in the bulkiness, weight, and limited efficiency of projecting beams over large angular coverage areas. Methods using complex and heavy mechanical components were not only expensive, but their inability to project adjacent or overlapping beams was a key limitation. The inefficient control over pitch separation and lens focusing also led to underperformance and reliability issues.

Technology Description

The Agile-Beam Laser Array Transmitter (ABLAT) utilizes an array of lenses and emitters to project electromagnetic beams over a wide angular spectrum in the far field. The gaps between the two assemblies allow the ABLAT to direct beams to either adjacent or overlapping positions, influenced by the separation pitches ratio and lens focal length. With a smaller, lightweight, and efficient design, the ABLAT provides a more effective means for projecting beams over wider angular coverage areas compared to other beam-steering technologies. The ABLAT stands out for its multipurpose utility in a number of beam-steering applications. These are notably utilized in light detection, ranging, optical character recognition, laser microscopy, material processing, and drug discovery, among others. The ability for the beams to be projected to contiguous and/or overlapping positions, depending on lobes of the lens and separation pitches, is a significant differentiating factor.