Design and optimization of microlens array based high resolution beam steering system

High-resolution imaging and beam steering using 3 microlens arrays (MLA) is demonstrated. Small lateral displacement of one microlens array is sufficient for large angle beam steering. A prescan lens is added to the system to overcome the discrete addressing problem associated with microlens scanning systems. A hybrid method that uses both geometrical ray tracing optimization and physical optics simulation is introduced for the design and optimization of the MLA system. Feasibility of 1880 x 1880 resolution using f/2 aspherical MLAs and 752 x 752 resolution using f/5 spherical MLAs are demonstrated assuming 100 microm microlens pitch and 2mm clear aperture. The system is compact and suitable for endoscopic imaging and agile steering of large beams.