Precise beam control in optical phased arrays using the four steps rotating element electric field vector method

The integrated optical phase arrays (OPAs) possess the capability for rapid modulation and precise control of output beam deflection, making it widely applicable in fields such as three-dimensional terrain reconstruction, autonomous driving, and holographic imaging. However, the unknown initial phase introduced during the manufacturing and packaging processes of current OPAs results in low beam alignment quality and random output beam phases, significantly limiting the development and application of OPAs. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a precise control technology for OPA output beams, utilizing a beam calibration method we have developed, known as the Four Steps Rotating Element Electric Field Vector Method. This method enables rapid and accurate calibration, achieving precise phase control for each antenna on the OPA chip by calibrating the phase shift and controlling the voltage relationship. It overcomes the challenges of unknown phase distributions common in passive calibration methods, aligning the calibrated phase distribution more closely with theoretical expectations. The proposed method further enhances control over the OPA output beam. Based on this technology, we constructed an experimental platform to achieve a main lobe with a PSLR of 15.98 dB and successfully generated vortex beams using a 4×4 OPA. This innovation not only addresses the initial phase issues caused by manufacturing errors but also significantly enhances the precise control of OPA phases, expanding its applications in LiDAR systems.