Diffraction Based MOEMS Scanner for LADAR Application

Invention:Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a method of beam-steering polychromatic light by controlling the angular divergence characteristics of the beam through a pre-correction element.  The result is a collimated polychromatic beam exiting the device. Background:Mechanical beam steering devices for LIDAR use heavy and power-hungry gimbals and optical components making large mechanical motions.  While non-mechanical optical steering devices exist, most use electrically controlled optical diffraction elements and normally operate over a narrow wavelength band to avoid dispersion.  Others use waveguides and have small apertures.  These designs are prone to failures in harsh environments and sometimes bulky. Applications:*  Defense Industry*  Autonomous vehicles*  3-D Mapping Advantage:*  Larger aperture and faster reconfiguration rate*  Accommodates polychromatic input beam Contact:Amy Phillipsaphillips@optics.arizona.eduRefer to case number UA14-131

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