Zero optical path length difference optical phased array

摘要

A zero-path-length difference optical phased array constructed with a substantially planar photonic device determines the direction to an incoherent light source such as a star. A phased array can replace a three-dimensional star tracker with a smaller, lighter, nearly two-dimensional system. The zero optical path length difference optical phased array can optionally be connected to an interferometer. When driven by a light source, the zero path length difference optical phased array can be used as an optical projector. In one embodiment, the optical phased array includes a wafer, a first plurality of optical couplers disposed in a predetermined array relative to the wafer, and a first disposed in a predetermined location relative to the wafer. An optical port and a first plurality of optical waveguides disposed with respect to the wafer.