Quantum well modulators for optical beam steering applications

The authors demonstrate the possibility of laser beam control with a dynamic grating constructed of Fabry-Perot reflection modulators. Individually addressed stripes composed of quantum well reflection modulators form a diffraction grating capable of high resolution and large scanning angles. The authors obtained control of the far field pattern in the optical regime. Since the far field is a Fourier transform of the spatial reflectivity of the device, it was possible to steer a laser beam by imposing a pattern that oscillates spatially on the stripes. A simple setup results in a continuous scanning angle of 2 degrees and an output beam width of about 0.1 degrees .<>