Dot Projector Metalens Application Note – 3 Different Operation Modes

Working Principle – Dammann Grating-based Metalenses #

Our dot projector metalenses are based on the Dammann grating principle. The Dammann grating can split a single incident beam into multiple beams with equal intensity through phase modulation. In this application, the metalens is designed to replicate the input light spot into multiple copies with high uniformity.

The key features of the design include:

  • Phase-only modulation using optimized surface structures
  • Equal-intensity beam splitting based on Dammann grating principle
  • High diffraction efficiency for optimal light utilization
  • Precise control of output beam array arrangement

When the input light from a VCSEL passes through the metalens, the carefully designed phase structure creates multiple diffraction orders, resulting in an array of equally spaced and intensity-balanced light spots. This enables efficient replication of the input beam pattern without the need for complex optical systems.

Integration with Multi-aperture VCSEL Arrays #

Our dot projector metalensesis specifically designed to replicate and project multi-aperture VCSEL arrangements onto target planes. The projection characteristics are determined by the dimensional configuration of the rectangular frame encompassing the light apertures. When all light apertures are enclosed within a rectangular frame, the dimensions of this rectangle will determine the stitching effect. There are three types of stitching effects: 1. Seamless stitching; 2. Gapped stitching; 3. Overlapping stitching

We will take MCPD357-940 as an example to explain the types of stitching effects.

  • Seamless stitching mode

When light apertures are positioned within a rectangular frame measuring 229×199μm (with frame boundaries intersecting the centers of peripheral apertures), the system produces a seamlessly integrated projection pattern with no visible discontinuities.

dot projector metalens 1
Figure 1: Seamless Stitching (Left: VCSEL Arrangement; Center: Projection Pattern; Right: Magnified Central Region)
  • Gapped stitching mode

Operating with a reduced frame size of 214×186μm produces distinct separation between projected elements. This mode is useful for applications requiring clear delineation between projection segments.

dot projector metalens 2
Figure 2: Gapped Stitching (Left: VCSEL Arrangement; Center: Projection Pattern; Right: Magnified Central Region)
  • Overlapping stitching mode

Utilizing an expanded frame size of 244×212μm creates intentional overlap between adjacent projections. This mode ensures complete coverage with redundancy in the projection pattern.

Figure 3: Overlap Stitching (Left: VCSEL Arrangement; Center: Projection Pattern; Right: Magnified Central Region)

Conclusion #

Our dot projectors are Dammann grating-based metalenses that replicates VCSEL light patterns with uniform intensity distribution. It operates in three modes controlled by frame dimensions: seamless, gapped, and overlapping stitching. The frame boundaries are defined by the centers of outermost light apertures. Pattern characteristics remain consistent across the projection field. This flexibility, combined with high diffraction efficiency and precise pattern control, makes the metalens projectors a versatile solution for advanced optical applications.

Reference #

  1. Design of Gratings for 3D Depth Sensing, Tung Yu Su, Richard Hu, Morgan Lu, Cybernet System Taiwan
Updated on November 8, 2024
What are your feelings

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *