2-D Matrix Laser

More complex world of 2-D Matrix Laser Beamsteering demonstrated:

A new 2-D optical technology will enable advanced stages LADAR and other defense applications.

Most people are familiar with the concept of RADAR. Radio frequency (RF) waves travel through the atmosphere, reflected from a target, and return to the radar system for processing. The amount of time it takes to return to correlate the object distance. In recent decades, this technology has been revolutionized electronically scanned (phased) arrays (ESA), which transmit RF waves in a particular direction without mechanical movement. Each emitter varies in amplitude and phase to form a radar beam in a particular direction through constructive and destructive interference with other transmitters.
Similar to laser radar detection and ranging, or LADAR, explores a view to determine the distance and other information, but uses optical beams instead of RF waves. LADAR provides a more detailed level of information that can be used for applications such as rapid mapping in 3-D. However, current methods of optical beam steering necessary for LADAR, most of which are based on simple mechanical rotation, are simply too bulky, slow or incorrect to meet potential LADAR.
As reported in the current issue of the journal Nature, researchers at DARPA recently demonstrated the more complex 2-D optical assembly removed for ever. The matrix, which has dimensions of 576μm x 576μm only about the size of a pinhead, consists of 4,096 (64 x 64) nano-antennas integrated into a silicon chip. The key to this breakthrough was the development of a design that is scalable to a large number of nano-antennas  development of new micro-fabrication techniques, and the integration of photonic and electronic components on a single chip.
"The integration of all the components of an optical assembly staged a miniature set of 2-D chips can lead to new capabilities for sensing and imaging" said Sanjay Raman, program manager for DARPA Diverse Accessible Heterogeneous Integration (Dahi ) program. "By bringing this functionality to a tablet form factor scale, this arrangement can generate high-resolution, beam patterns - a capability that researchers have tried to create optical phased array chip is truly a technology that allows a wide number of systems. LADAR and one day revolutionize much the same way that revolutionized RADAR AEE. LADAR Beyond, this chip may have applications for biomedical imaging, 3D holographic displays and ultra-high speed data communications. "

This work was supported by funding from DARPA short-range, wide field of view extremely agile, electronically Led Photonic issuer (sweeper), under Josh Conway, and Electronic-Photonic Heterogeneous Integration (E-PHI) Dahi program thrust. Next steps include the integration of elements other than silicon laser and other photonic components based on silicon control and processing electronics directly into the chip using E-PHI technologies currently under development.