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arXiv · 2603.18191

Resonance-enhanced integrated acousto-optic beam steering

Yue Yu·Qixuan Lin·Shucheng Fang·Joseph G. Thomas·Yibing Zhou·Zichen Xi·Jun Ji·Yizheng Zhu·Linbo Shao·Bingzhao Li·Mo Li
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Abstract

Optical beam steering is a key technology for free-space optical communication, sensing, and imaging. Mechanical beam steering systems suffer from limited scanning speed and bulky form factors, while existing solid-state solutions rely on pixelated synthetic aperture that requires complex fabrication and control architectures. Integrated acousto-optic beam steering (AOBS) is an emerging technology that enables continuous one-dimensional beam steering using integrated acoustic transducers and fixed-wavelength laser sources. Here, we integrate AOBS with an optical ring resonator on the same thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform to significantly enhance beam steering efficiency and system functionality. The resulting device achieves a resonance-enhanced beam steering efficiency of up to $26\%$ and a field of view of $18^\circ$. Moreover, by leveraging integrated electro-optic control, we dynamically lock the ring-resonator's resonance to a chirped laser frequency, enabling frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) LiDAR operation. By combining lithium niobate's piezoelectric and electro-optic properties, this work establishes a compact, efficient, and scalable beam-steering platform with co-integrated acousto-optic modulation and electro-optic control for multifunctional applications.

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Yue Yu, Qixuan Lin, Shucheng Fang, Joseph G. Thomas, Yibing Zhou, Zichen Xi, Jun Ji, Yizheng Zhu, Linbo Shao, Bingzhao Li, Mo Li. 2026-03-18. Resonance-enhanced integrated acousto-optic beam steering. https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.18191

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