A fast digital-analog control polarization-based optical scanner with complete three-dimensional beam-forming programmability is described. Its features include low power consumption and large-aperture liquid-crystal-based optics, digital repeatability, and time-multiplexed accurate analog beam forming. Analog frequency and amplitude control of the nematic liquid-crystal beam-former cells permits continuous fine-scan programmability over a 0.66-mrad horizontal deflection, a 0.75 mrad vertical deflection, and an infinity-to-1.84-m focal-length longitudinal scan. First demonstrations included an 8-point volumetric scan and a 2-bit digital lens scan, both at 1310 nm, with a 35-μs random-access time.
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