Non-mechanical beam steering: ways and means

Abstract

One of the very useful aspects of a laser is its well-defined beam, delivering high intensity to a defined location. Directing that beam and specifying the location is generally done with adjustable mirrors. Directing the beam in time varying manner most often requires galvanometer scanning mirrors which translate in one dimension. These mirrors, though now a mature technology, are in general speed limited due to their inertia and can be heavy, power hungry and expensive. There are then benefits to be gained from non-mechanical means of beam steering particularly in terms of speed and weight. This paper gives an overview of methods employed to implement beam steering and then concentrates on methods that do not rely on independent phase control. The use of a micromirror array for 3-dimensional beam control will be presented with the pros and cons that this entails.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2502758
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Aston Institute of Photonics Technology (AIPT)
Additional Information: Copyright 2018 SPIE. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.
Publication ISSN: 1996-756X
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2024 08:52
Date Deposited: 12 Nov 2018 13:02
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: https://www.spi ... 2758.full?SSO=1 (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Conference article
Published Date: 2018-10-09
Accepted Date: 2018-08-15
Authors: Benton, David (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-0663-1404)

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