Phys.org  January 14, 2020 Currently existing optical beam steering devices uses mechanics that make them large, unstable, heavy, with limited overall speed and a high cost. Optical phased arrays for steering beams requires many optical antennas. Researchers in Japan used a special waveguide “photonic crystal,” aimed through a silicon-etched medium. Light is slowed down and emitted to the free space when forced to interact with the photonic crystal. They engaged a prism lens to then direct the beam in the desired direction. The resulting method and device are small-sized, free of moving mechanics, setting the stage for a solid-state LiDAR. […]