Non-Mechanical Beam Steering for LIDARs using Diffractive Waveplates

Non-Mechanical Beam Steering (NMBS) systems known currently did not rise from the breadboard to a critical application platform so far due to numerous challenges involved including losses, limitations on steering angle and speed, aperture size, temperature sensitivity, cost, etc. We propose to make the transition by developing a NMBS system based on liquid crystal polymer cycloidal diffractive waveplates (LCP-CDWs), integrated with thin-film switchable phase retardation controllers. The diffraction spectra of LCP CDWs will be customized for high efficiency at 2 um wavelength combined with low efficiency in mid IR range. Specially developed electroconductive layers based, particularly, on graphene oxide compositions, would ensure high transmission for infrared wavelengths of interest. The size of the system, the number of substrates, the losses and phase distortions will be minimized by using thin substrates, BEAM Co. patented release/transfer technology along with In-Plane-Switching mode. All key materials enabling the technology will be optimized for high IR transmission. In Phase I, we will model and study opportunities for optimization of the architecture of the system for LIDAR applications, and will analyze the technological opportunities for large aperture fabrication. Preliminary tests will be performed and a breadboard system will be fabricated for proper identification of all challenges.