Project Title:

Integrated Optic Device for Laser Beam Scanning

06.14-4995
Integrated Optic Device for Laser Beam Scanning
Apa Optics, Inc.
2950 84th Lane N.E.
Blaine
MN
55432
Boord
W.T.
17579
47,885
JSC

Abstract:

Most laser scanning systems are mechanical, utilizing a motor to rotate a prism,
mirror, or holographic grating.  Such mechanical systems are of relatively large
size and mass.  There is a need for a solid state scanning device which would offer
benefits of reduced size and mass, no moving parts, improved reliability, low cost,
and low power requirement.  We propose to develop an integrated optics (IO) structure
for scanning a laser beam.  The IO device utilizes the electro-optic effect of a
thin film material to establish a Bragg diffraction grating in a planar waveguide.
 The Bragg grating can be activated over small localized regions, and by varying
the location of the activated region, the spatial variation in beam position to an
angular variation in beam position.  The objective of the Phase 1 effort is to characterize
the diffraction efficiency of an electro-optic induced diffraction grating in a planar
waveguide as a function of waveguide thickness, applied voltage, and length and orientation
of the grating.  This data will be analysed to specify the resolution and angular
scan range of the proposed solid state laser scanner.