Beam Steering

About

Technology: This concept from Georgia Institute of Technology research provides an effective way of directing energy in specified directions without the need for individual control of array components (contrary to typical ultrasonic sources) through the use of periodic source arrays. Beam steering of energy propagated from an array is achieved by exploiting interference phenomena (i.e., constructive and/or destructive interference) generated by spatial periodicity of the array and the simultaneous activation of its components. Such interference phenomena produce waves with frequency dependent directional characteristics, which allow directional scanning to be performed simply through a frequency sweep. As such, the need for beam-forming algorithms and associated hardware may be avoided. In addition, spatially periodic piezoelectric actuators used in some embodiments can be exploited for tuning the excitation to a specific wave mode and, therefore, may be able to combine mode tuning with beam steering capabilities in a single device. The concept lends itself to the design of miniaturized scanning probes, which may even be controlled in a wireless fashion, which would open up a number of possibilities in the area of Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) for structures and materials, as well as for ultrasound medical imaging. Beam steering is also extremely important for electromagnetic communications and the application of this system to miniaturized electromagnetic trans-receivers for wireless communication has great commercialization potential. Applications: • Nondestructive evaluation of structures and materials •Ultrasound medical imaging •Miniaturized electromagnetic trans-receivers for wireless communication Advantages •Avoids individual control of array components •Reduced cost, smaller design equipment