Optical phased array beam steering in the mid-infrared on an InP-based platform

Abstract

Compact, lightweight, high-power beam-steering devices operating in the mid-infrared atmospheric window λ = 3 − 5 µ m are attractive for aerial-based applications such as long-range lidar and countermeasures. In the near-infrared spectral region, optical phased arrays (OPAs) have emerged as the dominant nonmechanical on-chip beam-steering technology, with a preponderance in silicon-based platforms. Extensions to the mid-infrared spectral region are scarce. Further, considering that the requirements for high performance in this region will likely demand monolithic integration with quantum cascade lasers, development of the photonic technology on a native III–V platform is advantageous. To this end, at λ = 4.6 µ m , on an InGaAs/InP platform, we experimentally demonstrate the operation of a 32-channel OPA with thermo-optic tuning for azimuthal (lateral) steering. With a waveguide spacing of 2.5 λ , we steer the beam to the maximum uninfringed field of view at ± 11.5 ∘ .

All-Solid-State Beam Steering via Integrated Optical Phased Array Technology

“…When the absolute value of q increases, the phase difference between adjacent antennas becomes larger, which will make the phase modulator consume more power. Consider that the central principal maximum, the relationship between the phase difference of the adjacent phase unit ΔΦ, and the beam steering angle θ are shown in the following equation [17]:…”

“…In 2021, Komatsu et al proposed a 100 channel OPA and p-i-n phase modulators were fabricated to control the optical phase [57]. The operating wavelength of the InGaAs/InP OPA can also be extended to the mid-infrared wavelength band, of which the atmospheric window band (3-5 um) can meet the applications in long-range LiDAR [17]. Most importantly, the III-V platform has the capability of realizing monolithic integration [59].…”

Ultra-Compact and Efficient Microheaters on a Submicron-Thick InP Membrane

“…have been inefficient (hundreds of mW for π phase shift [16]), slow (millisecond-level transient response [22]), and suffered from thermal crosstalk [22]. This is mainly due to the bulky waveguide structure used in conventional InP photonics, which prohibits efficient heat transfer to the optical mode, and has poor heat isolation.…”

Recent Progress in Silicon‐Based Photonic Integrated Circuits and Emerging Applications

“…Complex systems are all based on the fundamental building blocks to fulfill complex functions, such as data encryption, photonic computing, spectrometer, beam scanning, and chemical sensing from near‐infrared to far‐infrared as shown in Figure . [ 27–32 ] By combining photonic chips and electronic chips, both can leverage and maximize their unique strengths. Reasonable functional distributions between photonic chips and electronic chips could be more advanced and more productive in the next generation of optoelectronic chips.…”