Phased-array optics

<p>Phased-array optics is the technology of controlling the phase and amplitude of light waves transmitting, reflecting, or captured (received) by a two-dimensional surface using adjustable surface elements. An optical phased array (OPA) is the optical analog of a radio-wave <a href="/facts/Phased_array/5wvA9WLV">phased array</a>. By dynamically controlling the optical properties of a surface on a microscopic scale, it is possible to steer the direction of light beams (in an OPA transmitter), or the view direction of sensors (in an OPA receiver), without any moving parts. Phased-array beam steering is used for optical switching and multiplexing in <a href="/facts/Optoelectronic/0SCr9px0">optoelectronic</a> devices and for aiming <a href="/facts/Laser/jk6PTvvT">laser</a> beams on a macroscopic scale.
</p><p>Complicated patterns of phase variation can be used to produce <a href="/facts/Diffractive_optical_element/Mk80xXHT">diffractive optical elements</a>, such as dynamic virtual lenses, for beam focusing or splitting in addition to aiming. Dynamic phase variation can also produce real-time <a href="/facts/Holography/4J1gW0M6">holograms</a>.  Devices permitting detailed addressable phase control over two dimensions are a type of <a href="/facts/Spatial_light_modulator/PjnfVdzb">spatial light modulator</a> (SLM).
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Phased-array optics open-in-new

Phased-array optics