Abstract
The grating lobes of the liquid crystal optical-phased array (LCOPA) based on blazed grating theory is studied. Using the Fraunhofer propagation principle, the analytical expressions of the far-field intensity distribution are derived. Subsequently, we can obtain both the locations and the intensities of the grating lobes. The derived analytical functions that provide an insight into single-slit diffraction and multislit interference effect on the grating lobes are discussed. Utilizing the conventional microwave-phased array technique, the intensities of the grating lobes and the main lobe are almost the same. Different from this, the derived analytical functions demonstrate that the intensities of the grating lobes are less than that of the main lobe. The computer simulations and experiments show that the proposed method can correctly estimate the locations and the intensities of the grating lobes for a LCOPA simultaneously.
Highlights
Liquid crystal optical-phased array (LCOPA) can realize a nonmechanical beam steering by applying the required voltage profile to the phase elements
We analyze the far-field intensity distribution after the incident beam transmitting through LCOPA, using the Fraunhofer propagation principle.[12,13]
2πd sin λ θ where E1 is the interaction between periods, one period can be seen as a combining element that is similar to the single physical phase element; E2 is single-slit diffraction; and E3 is multislit interference in one period
Summary
Liquid crystal optical-phased array (LCOPA) can realize a nonmechanical beam steering by applying the required voltage profile to the phase elements. When the designed phase profile is applied to LCOPA to steer the incident beam to the desired direction, the LCOPA can be seen as a blazed grating,[9] which can be classified into the period blazed grating and nonperiod blazed grating.[10,11] The period one is similar to the binary optical elements and can steer the incident beam to some discrete angles. The nonperiod one can realize the uniform, continuous beam scanning in the field-of-view of LCOPA.[11] we analyze the far-field intensity distribution after the incident beam transmitting through LCOPA, using the Fraunhofer propagation principle.[12,13] We obtain the analytical functions of the far-field intensity distributions as well as the locations and the intensities of the grating lobes for both the models. We evaluate the performance of the derived functions via computer simulations and experiments
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
