Liquid crystal based non-mechanical beam tracking technology. (1st June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Yixiang; Ai, Yong; Shan, Xin; Liu, Min
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 91(2017)
• Page Start: 103
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2017-06-01
• Subjects: Liquid crystal spatial light modulator -- Beam tracking -- Beam steering -- Non-mechanical; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2016.12.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Abstract: The simulation and experimental testing of a non-mechanical beam tracking technology was investigated, in which a liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LCSLM) was used as a beam steering control device. The LCSLM was capable of steering the beam from −2.8947 to 2.8947° with a resolution of approximately 0.0226°. The LCSLM-based tracking system was simulated by MATLAB, and the Bode diagram indicated that the tracking performance was better than −17 dB when the disturbance frequency was 1 Hz. The tracking experiment was also executed to test the actual performance. The experimental data revealed that the tracking error (1 σ ) ranged from 0.024 θ max to 0.225 θ max when the disturbance frequency ranged from 0.2 to 2.0 Hz with an amplitude of θ max =2.4873°. Simulation and experimental testing demonstrated the feasibility of the non-mechanical beam tracking technology that employs liquid crystals. Highlights: Liquid crystal based non-mechanical beam tracking technology is proposed. The tracking system is analyzed by simulation and experimental testing. The tracking effect is better than −17 dB when the disturbance frequency is 1 Hz.