Characterization of Kepler structured microlens array scanners for 2D scanning

Beam scanning technology is widely used in LIDAR, space optical communication, adaptive optics, and other fields. The microlens array scanner (MLAS) has the potential to realize large angle beam scanning with large beam size. In this paper, the current research status of MLAS and research progress are briefly introduced first. After that, the two-dimensional scanning mathematical model of the Kepler structured MLAS is analyzed and established using Fourier optics. Then, simulations are conducted to demonstrate the process of two-dimensional discrete addressing scanning. The analysis results show that the scanning angle that can be addressed by MLAS is determined by the parameters of the microlens array, and that the displacement error between the microlens arrays leads to scanning spot energy decrease. Finally, some thoughts about the future development of MLAS are given.