Solid-state optical scanning device using a beam combiner and switch array
Daisuke Inoue, Tadashi Ichikawa, Tetsuya Shimogaki, Hiroyuki Matsubara, Akari Kawasaki, Tatsuya Yamashita
Abstract
Imaging optics cannot focus light beams emitted from different points onto one point with a lens. Therefore, fabricating a 3D image sensor with a focal plane array is challenging. We developed an imaging optics device with an intentionally shifted focal plane switch array comprising pixels with two optical antennas, a switch, and a receiver on a chip. We successfully illuminated a single point, received the reflected light with the same pixel, and scanned an illuminating target. The proposed system can serve as a 3D image sensor, with a detection range of 204 m for Lambertian reflectors with 94% reflectivity, and as a beam combiner for high-power lasers.