Radar sensor device, radar system having a radar sensor device, vehicle having a radar system, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a radar sensor device for a vehicle, having an optical input for receiving a first optical transmission signal and a second optical transmission signal different from the first optical transmission signal, a transmitting device for emitting an electrical radar emission signal based on the first optical transmission signal and / or the second optical transmission signal, and a receiving device for receiving an electrical reception signal corresponding to the radar emission signal, characterized by a conversion device having at least one quantum element, wherein the conversion device is configured to couple the reception signal, the first optical transmission signal and the second optical transmission signal into the quantum element, wherein the quantum element is configured to generate an optical output signal from the coupled electrical reception signal, the first optical transmission signal and the second optical transmission signal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a radar system, a vehicle and a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a radar sensor device for a vehicle, having an optical input port for receiving a first optical transmission signal and a second optical transmission signal different from the first optical transmission signal. Furthermore, the radar sensor device includes a transmitting device for transmitting an electrical radar emission signal based on the first and / or second optical transmission signals into the vehicle's surrounding environment. Similarly, the radar sensor device includes a receiving device for receiving an electrical received signal corresponding to the electrical radar emission signal and reflected in the surrounding environment.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a radar system having at least one radar sensor device and a central electronic computing device.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a vehicle having a corresponding radar system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a radar sensor device. Background Technology

[0004] A receiving antenna is known from US 2021 / 0250101 A1. This receiving antenna includes a probe laser, a coupling laser, and an atomic vapor cell having spherical or square atomic regions and Rydberg antenna atoms passing through a high-frequency transition region.

[0005] Furthermore, US 10,763,966B1 discloses an apparatus for converting analog high-frequency signals into optical signals. This apparatus may include a vapor cell surrounding an atomic gas and an inspection light source configured to propagate an inspection beam through the vapor cell. The frequency of the inspection beam can be coordinated within a range in which atoms transition from a first quantum state to a second quantum state.

[0006] Furthermore, US 2021 / 0286063 A1 discloses a radar system that includes a photonic crystal receiver. The radar system includes a transmitting station configured to mimic probe signals of electromagnetic radiation in a region. The radar system also includes a receiving station configured such that return signals of electromagnetic radiation from the region can be processed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a more compact and efficient radar system for environmental monitoring in vehicles.

[0008] This task is accomplished by the radar sensor device, radar system, vehicle, and method according to the present invention.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a radar sensor device for a vehicle, which preferably comprises:

[0010] - An optical input port, wherein the optical input port is used to receive a first optical transmission signal and a second optical transmission signal that is different from the first optical transmission signal;

[0011] - A transmitting device for transmitting an electrical radar signal based on a first optical transmission signal and / or a second optical transmission signal to the vehicle's surrounding environment; and - a receiving device for receiving an electrical received signal corresponding to the electrical radar signal and reflected in the surrounding environment; the radar sensor device having:

[0012] - A conversion device having at least one quantum element, wherein the conversion device is configured to couple an electrical received signal, a first optical transmission signal, and a second optical transmission signal into the at least one quantum element, wherein...

[0013] - At least one quantum element is configured to generate an optical output signal based on a coupled electrical received signal, a first optical transmission signal, and a second optical transmission signal.

[0014] The radar sensor device according to the invention enables a more compact implementation of radar systems. In particular, the proposed radar sensor device achieves a high degree, especially the highest degree, of miniaturization at the chip level. Furthermore, the detection probability can be improved by using atomic resonance. Moreover, the radar sensor device can simplify radar systems in terms of their components. Therefore, the radar sensor device according to the invention does not require complex electronic or optical components, as these are particularly necessary in a central unit separate from the radar sensor device. It is also conceivable that the radar sensor device can be used to extend the functionality of sensors to include lidar and cameras.

[0015] By utilizing radar sensor devices, the detection sensitivity of terahertz and gigahertz antennas in radar systems can be improved. Furthermore, the detectable spectral range from nanometer wavelengths to micrometer wavelengths can be increased. In particular, radar sensor devices can be used as quantum sensors, which can be used to construct detectors for both the terahertz and gigahertz spectral ranges. These detectors can, for example, be integrated into an array. For this purpose, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) can be used, for example, to detect electromagnetic radiation by means of the alternating Stark effect.

[0016] In particular, a quantum camera can be realized by means of the radar sensor device according to the invention.

[0017] By transforming devices and, in particular, quantum elements, limitations in signal amplification compared to conventional electrical and / or dielectric antennas can be avoided. Similarly, the radar sensor device according to the invention eliminates the drawback of antennas previously used for receiving radiation in the gigahertz range, which required large geometric dimensions. These dimensions were typically several millimeters. This can be prevented by the radar sensor device according to the invention. To achieve high-resolution radar systems, microwave transmission belt systems are used in the automotive field. These microwave transmission belt systems result in 3D conductive structures for radiation in the micrometer band, which require additional three-dimensional structural space. This can also be addressed by the invention. Furthermore, the radar sensor device according to the invention solves the limitation on the detectable spectrum range due to antenna geometry.

[0018] The radar sensor device according to the invention provides a more compact radar or radar system for vehicles, wherein power requirements can be reduced. In particular, the radar sensor device has a smaller structural space or space requirement, making it more space-efficient for use in radar systems within vehicles.

[0019] For example, the radar sensor device according to the invention allows the use of a standard long-range communication laser. In particular, this eliminates the need for costly and expensive gigahertz circuit design for frequency conversion between radio frequency signals and optical carriers. This is especially true after conversion from the terahertz spectrum, where the gigahertz signal is stabilized. Consequently, a reduction in chip area can be achieved compared to conventional electronic devices. The conversion device, for example, replaces the Epic chip. In particular, the ring circuit can be implemented very simply, where the high quality factor of the optical ring resonator determines the low power requirement of the laser, allowing coupling losses to be compensated, and multiple chips can operate using a single source. In particular, the gigahertz signal is inherently stable. In particular, a low-noise signal can be provided. The SNR (“signal-to-noise ratio”) can be improved by means of the conversion device. In particular, the radar sensor device according to the invention is more sensitive to polarization. Furthermore, the radar sensor device according to the invention requires less power and, in particular, less structural space.

[0020] In particular, the transmitting and receiving devices can be integrated on a single semiconductor chip, such as in CMOS, SiM-CMOS, Bi-CMOS, Hybrid-Bi-CMOS, or via a process that integrates them on a photonics-electronics co-integrated chip. Therefore, with the aid of this invention, radar sensor devices can be manufactured in mass production, for example, using standardized semiconductor processes.

[0021] In particular, by means of the radar sensor device according to the invention, frequency conversion of the terahertz carrier signal in the gigahertz frequency range can be performed after optical signal transmission, and conversely, reception of the gigahertz signal and modulation onto the terahertz carrier signal can be performed.

[0022] The radar sensor device according to the invention enables the co-integration of a ring resonator in a semiconductor as an antenna structure and for frequency conversion using photonics-electronics. In particular, the proposed radar sensor device can be used in motor vehicles. Specifically, it can be used in, for example, at least partially autonomous motor vehicles, and especially in fully autonomous motor vehicles. For such autonomous driving, reliable environmental perception is essential, which can be achieved through the radar sensor device according to the invention. Here, the environment or surrounding environment can be detected by means of sensors such as radar, lidar, and cameras. This can be an example of the application areas of the radar sensor device. A comprehensive 360-degree three-dimensional detection of the surrounding environment can be performed using the radar sensor device, thereby detecting all static and dynamic objects.

[0023] This can be improved by the radar sensor device according to the invention. This conversion device can reduce the limitations on the detectable spectrum range due to antenna geometry.

[0024] In particular, radar sensor devices can be used in, for example, at least partially autonomous vehicles, but especially in fully autonomous vehicles. However, reliable environmental perception is essential for achieving such autonomous driving. Here, the environment or surroundings can be detected using sensors such as radar, lidar, and cameras. Of particular importance is the overall 360-degree three-dimensional detection of the surrounding environment, enabling the detection of all static and dynamic objects. Radar sensor devices can be used for this purpose. LiDAR, in particular, plays a crucial role in redundant and robust environmental detection because this sensor type can measure distances more accurately in environmental detection and can also be used for classification. However, these lidar sensors are costly and expensive in their construction. In particular, 360-degree three-dimensional environmental detection is problematic because ensuring this requires either many small individual sensors, typically working with many individual light source and detector elements, or the installation of large lidar sensors. Furthermore, lidar sensors are easily affected by weather conditions such as rain, fog, or direct sunlight. Radar sensor devices can provide remedies for this.

[0025] Radar sensors or radar sensor devices have been established in automotive engineering and provide data reliably and without failure in all weather conditions. Even poor visibility (such as rain, fog, snow, dust, or darkness) hardly affects their perception reliability. However, according to the prior art, resolution has been limited to date; in particular, existing radar systems are only constructed with an angular resolution of about 7 degrees. To meet the requirements of increased automation and safer driving functions in automotive engineering, radar sensor devices are configured to provide three-dimensional images with high angular resolution in the range of 0.1 degrees and below, and with greater insensitivity to interference from their surrounding environment. This cannot be achieved using conventional radar technology according to the prior art because the resolution of such systems is too coarse. The radar sensor device according to the invention advantageously addresses this issue.

[0026] The radar sensor device can be configured as a photonic radar sensor device, which improves resolution by co-integrating electronic and photonic components onto a single semiconductor chip. Tracking of the FMCW signal, as well as the entire signal processing and evaluation, is performed at a central station. Each transmit and receive module has an electronically and photonically integrated chip, the so-called Epic chip. For this co-integration, silicon-photonics technology is used. This silicon-photonics technology enables the overall integration of photonic structural elements, high-frequency electronic devices, and digital electronic devices onto a single chip. The technological innovation of such a system lies in the use of optical carrier signals in the terahertz frequency range for gigahertz signal transmission. The central station (which can also be called a central electronic computing device) generates the terahertz optical carrier frequency. The transmitted signal, carrying one-eighth of the radar frequency, is modulated onto this optical carrier frequency and sent to antenna chips via optical fibers. An eightfold frequency multiplication occurs on these antenna chips, allowing radar radiation to be emitted by the antenna chips. Signal detection is performed in reverse order. All data is processed at the central station.

[0027] However, such implementations are very costly in terms of chip-level implementation of gigahertz electronics. In particular, the frequency multiplication performed on the chip after detection by photodiodes is technically challenging and poses a significant challenge in generating gigahertz signals with high signal-to-noise ratios and minimal jitter. Therefore, the gigahertz signal must be costly stabilized in additional steps. Furthermore, gigahertz electronics are expensive. In addition, high power requirements are placed on the optical carrier, especially the laser, as a large amount of optical power is needed to generate high-precision gigahertz signals, making it difficult to implement a loop circuit with a unique phase for radar arrays with many distributed radar semiconductor chips. In particular, two additional photonics-electronics semiconductor chips are required for the corresponding transmit and receive channels, leading to further cost increases. The radar sensor device according to the invention at least partially, and especially completely, solves the aforementioned problems.

[0028] In particular, this invention utilizes the ability to achieve high-precision detection of electromagnetic radiation using an atomic ensemble. Here, for example, atoms, highly excited atoms, Rydberg atoms, molecules, solutions, quantum-trusted systems, and coupled quantum mechanical states in quantum elements can be used. These quantum mechanical states can be used to detect electromagnetic radiation using electromagnetically induced transparency and the AC Stark effect.

[0029] Electromagnetically induced transparency can be understood, for example, as the detection of a laser (Y). P1 ) and coupled laser (Y P2 (It is, for example, a component of a laser device) irradiated onto an atomic system having energy states E0, E1, and E2. Coupled laser Y P2 Couple states E1 and E2 (so-called "coupled states" or "adorned states") so that an electron can transition from E0 to E2 by absorbing one photon from the probe laser and one from the coupled laser. If state E2 is long-term, such as a metastable state, then the system is stable for probe laser Y. P1 The probe laser becomes transparent because electrons that could absorb photons from the probe laser no longer exist, and the transition from E2 to E0 is forbidden (the so-called "dark state"), thus preventing the reconstruction of the energy state E0. For example, an optical transmission signal can be generated using a coupled laser and a probe laser. Furthermore, a minimum can be formed in the absorption spectrum, allowing more photons from the probe laser to propagate through the ensemble without interaction. This intensity change can be detected in the absorption spectrum of the probe laser.

[0030] If these coupling states are now used and an additional external electromagnetic field, such as an electrically received signal, is injected at a frequency of 70 GHz, the energy level E2 undergoes a shift to E3 due to the AC Stark shift effect, causing the transmission spectrum to split in the frequency space (so-called spectrum splitting).

[0031] In atomic physics, the Stark effect refers to the shifting and splitting of atomic or molecular spectral lines in a static electric field. By means of electromagnetically induced transparency, the effect can be described as follows: the interaction between a weak laser field and an atomic medium can be coherently controlled and manipulated by a second laser field. This operation is performed using the transformation device according to the invention.

[0032] In addition to the AC Stark effect, the Otley-Towns effect also exists. Through the AC Stark shift or AC Stark effect, an energy shift from energy level E2 to E3 can occur, causing the transmission spectrum to split and creating a minimum around the probe laser wavelength.

[0033] For example, the single-line structure of the absorption spectrum can be presented or represented as a frequency function around the center frequency. Transmitted radiation is maximum around the center frequency. In the state of being excited by external electromagnetic radiation, the resonant frequency shifts, resulting in a spectral split at the center frequency. The amplitude of the transmitted radiation decreases. The phase of the captured radiation can be reconstructed by time-resolved measurements of the power spectrum. The maximum value provides an indication of the frequency with respect to the external field through the previously defined atomic transition to E3.

[0034] The width Δf of the spectral split is thus given.

[0035]

[0036] Where E describes the electric field strength of the electromagnetic field (e.g., microwave length radiation), D describes the atomic dipole moment for the transition induced by external electromagnetic radiation (here, for example, in the 70 GHz microwave band), λ1 describes the wavelength of the probe laser, and λ2 describes the wavelength of the coupled laser.

[0037] In the time-varying process of an external electromagnetic field (the transition from E to E(t)), the phase change process of the external field can be measured with sufficiently fast sampling or scanning. Here, the possibility of measuring the following additional parameters, compared with known spectral lines, is obtained: the frequency of the external field, such as an integrated optical frequency comb on a semiconductor basis; the phase change process of the external field; the amplitude change process of the external field; and the RCS value ("radar crosssection").

[0038] These additional parameters can (in particular, fully) characterize the external electromagnetic field. This allows radar information about the vehicle's surrounding environment to be obtained using radar sensor devices.

[0039] For example, a radar sensor device may have one or more integrated circuits (ICs). In particular, all components of the radar sensor device may be integrated onto a single chip. Alternatively, for example, a transmitting device may be constructed as an integrated circuit or chip, and a receiving device may also be constructed as an integrated circuit or chip. In particular, a conversion device may be a component of the receiving device.

[0040] In particular, the radar sensor device according to the invention can be used in electromagnetic or optical applications.

[0041] Optical transmission signals can be generated using laser devices, particularly probe lasers and coupling lasers, as described above. Based on at least one of the transmission signals, an electrical radar signal can be generated or modeled. This electrical radar signal can be emitted in the vehicle's surrounding environment by means of a transmitting device, transmitting unit, or transmitting module. The emitted signal can be reflected in the vehicle's surrounding environment, for example, by objects. These reflections can be received by means of a receiving device or receiving module. Transformation devices are particularly used for this purpose.

[0042] In particular, at least one quantum element is a component of the conversion device, especially an electronic conversion device.

[0043] By changing the device, for example, at least one quantum element can be used as an antenna. Therefore, the radar sensor device can eliminate the need for an additional antenna. Consequently, the radar sensor device can be designed more compactly.

[0044] In other words, the receiving and conversion devices are antenna structures or antenna assemblies used to receive signals. Therefore, additional components for receiving radiation or signals from the vehicle's surrounding environment can be omitted, for example.

[0045] At least one quantum element can be a nanoscale material structure. For example, this nanoscale structure can be formed using semiconductor materials. For this purpose, InGaAs, CdSe, or GaInP / InP can be used, for example. The charge carrier in such a quantum element is restricted to such an extent in terms of its mobility in all three spatial directions that the energy of the charge carrier can no longer be accepted continuously, but only discrete values. Therefore, the quantum element behaves similarly to an atom, but its shape, size, or the number of electrons within it can be influenced. This allows for the customization of electronic and optical properties. By using quantum elements, radar sensor devices can be minimized.

[0046] In one embodiment, the conversion device is configured to couple a first optical transmission signal and a second optical transmission signal into at least one quantum element such that electromagnetically induced transparency is generated in the at least one quantum element. Therefore, by means of the optical transmission signal, a coupling laser and a probe laser are alternately coupled into the at least one quantum element, thereby generating electromagnetically induced transparency in the at least one quantum element when an electrically received signal is additionally coupled into the quantum element as an electromagnetic field. In particular, the optical transmission signal can be coupled into the at least one quantum element via a coupling portion.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first optical transmission signal and the second optical transmission signal are further configured to have different wavelengths from each other. This is particularly important for generating electromagnetically induced transparency. Thus, for example, the first transmission signal can be referred to as a probe laser, and the second transmission signal can be referred to as a coupling laser. In particular, using these probe lasers and coupling lasers, different energy states can be coupled into at least one quantum element.

[0048] In another embodiment, at least one quantum element is configured as a quantum wire, quantum dot, or quantum well. Electromagnetically induced transparency can be generated in a particularly advantageous manner by means of the different possibilities of the quantum structure of the quantum element. This electromagnetically induced transparency is used to detect electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, a quantum camera can be realized as a radar sensor device by means of a quantum element. In particular, using at least one quantum element to receive radar waves or radar radiation improves the detection sensitivity of the radar sensor device and, especially, achieves a minimized structure. A radar sensor device can be referred to as or implemented as a quantum sensor, for example, by means of at least one quantum element.

[0049] A quantum wire (or "quantum layer") should be understood as a spatial potential energy structure in which the free movement of charge carriers is confined to one dimension. If the de Broglie wavelength of the charge carriers in the material under consideration is significantly larger than the atomic size, then the quantum wire can be fabricated as a crystalline quantum wire. Crystalline quantum wires can further be classified into diffused quantum wires and ballistic quantum wires. Furthermore, quantum wires can be fabricated in semiconductor heterostructures.

[0050] A quantum well is understood as a potential energy change process that restricts a particle's degree of freedom in one spatial dimension, such as the Z direction, thus limiting it to a single planar region (x-plane, y-plane). The width of the quantum well determines the quantum mechanical states that the particle can occupy. For example, a quantum well can only accept discrete energy values.

[0051] For example, quantum wells can be fabricated using semiconductor technology by embedding a layer of semiconductor with a smaller bandgap (such as GaAs) between two layers of semiconductor with a larger bandgap (such as AiGaAs). For this reason, the resulting structure is often referred to as a quantum film. A widely used method for fabricating such structures is molecular beam epitaxy, which allows for layer thickness control down to the monolayer level. Quantum wells can also be used, for example, in quantum cascade lasers, diode lasers, or quantum well infrared photodetectors.

[0052] A quantum dot can be understood as a nanoscale material structure in which charge carriers are restricted to such an extent that they can no longer accept energy continuously, but only in discrete values.

[0053] In another embodiment, the semiconductor material of at least one quantum element is at least partially, and particularly entirely, formed of indium arsenide (InAs), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs). Depending on the application, the at least one quantum element may be formed entirely of one of these semiconductor materials, or the at least one quantum element may be a mixture of at least two of these semiconductor materials. In particular, these semiconductor materials are preferred semiconductor materials in radar technology. In particular, other semiconductor materials not mentioned herein may also be used.

[0054] In one embodiment, the conversion device is configured to have a first coupling element for coupling an optical transmission signal into at least one quantum element, and the conversion device has a second coupling element different from the first coupling element for coupling an optical output signal out of the at least one quantum element and providing the optical output signal to the optical output port of the radar sensor device.

[0055] The first and second coupling elements can be, for example, waveguide structures and linear waveguides. Using these first and second coupling elements, a transmitted signal can be coupled into the quantum element. Therefore, by means of the first coupling element, the transmitted signal can be guided or conducted from the optical input port toward the quantum element. After the output signal is generated, by means of the second coupling element, the output signal can be transmitted or conducted to the optical output port of the radar sensor device. In particular, the coupling element can be an optical element or an optical path.

[0056] In one embodiment, an optical modulation unit is further provided, which is configured to influence the amplitude, polarization, frequency, and / or phase of the optical output signal. In particular, the radar sensor device has an optical modulation unit. Therefore, the optical output signal can be adapted, and in particular, modulated, by means of the optical modulation unit. Specifically, the optical modulation unit can additionally be used to transmit data to a central unit physically separated from the radar sensor device. Thus, the optical output signal can also be processed by means of the optical modulation unit so that it can be better used for subsequent evaluation of radar information.

[0057] In another embodiment, the radar sensor device is configured as a single-chip system or a multi-chip system. For example, the radar sensor device may be configured as a single unit, such that a transmitting device and a receiving device are integrated as a receiving module and a transmitting module on a single unit and a single chip. It is also conceivable that the radar sensor device has multiple transmitting modules and receiving modules.

[0058] Furthermore, in one embodiment, at least one quantum element is configured to have at least partially, and in particular completely, a reflective cladding and / or a dichroic cladding. A dichroic cladding can, for example, be used to allow only specific bands of received radiation to pass through, while reflecting other predetermined bands. Such reflection of specific wave radiation in a particular band can also be achieved through a reflective cladding. Therefore, by using the appropriate cladding, it can be determined or predetermined which radiation or which electromagnetic field can penetrate or couple into the quantum element.

[0059] Another aspect of the invention relates to a radar system having at least one radar sensor device according to the preceding aspect or an advantageous improvement thereof, and a central electronic computing device, wherein,

[0060] -The central electronic computing equipment is configured to generate optical transmission signals and receive optical output signals for radar sensor devices.

[0061] -The central electronic computing device is coupled to the optical input and optical output ports of the radar sensor device via at least one glass fiber, and

[0062] - The central electronic computing device has an optical receiving unit configured to receive optical output signals via at least one glass fiber coupled to the optical output port of a radar sensor device.

[0063] Such radar systems can be used, in particular, in motor vehicles, in automated systems, in aviation technology, or in aerospace technology. Further possibilities for implementations of the radar system and / or radar sensor device according to the invention include polarization-sensitive detection through the shaping of the antenna geometry.

[0064] Similarly, it can be applied to data transmission in the 5G band or higher frequency bands. Likewise, by using an optical ring resonator as a receiving antenna, data transmission can be used for Car-2-X applications, such as software updates, map updates, and infrastructure signals. Similarly, the radar sensor device can also be used as a passive detector element for environmental perception. It is also conceivable that this radar sensor device can be used to detect emitted radiation used in communications, such as radio, long-distance communications, satellite communications, or similar camera systems.

[0065] In particular, the radar system just proposed can have radar sensor devices as described in the preceding aspect. Specifically, the radar system can have multiple radar sensor devices.

[0066] A radar sensor device can be a co-integrated transmitting unit and / or receiving device that uses a specific structure or component of an optical ring resonator as an antenna.

[0067] This radar system is particularly advantageous for use in motor vehicles, as it requires a sensor system distributed around the vehicle to enable efficient environmental perception. Therefore, multiple radar sensor units can be distributed throughout the vehicle, and these multiple radar sensor units can be networked and communicated via a central electronic computing device. Thus, the radar system requires one, especially a single, central electronic computing device, particularly a central station. With the aid of the central electronic computing device, various different radar sensor units can be supplied with optical transmission signals, while the central electronic computing device can receive optical output signals or other signals at the corresponding optical output ports of the radar sensor units.

[0068] In particular, the central electronic computing device is a physically separate unit from the radar sensor device. Specifically, the central electronic computing device is not a component of the radar sensor device. The central electronic computing device can be a different semiconductor chip or integrated circuit compared to the radar sensor device.

[0069] For example, a central electronic computing device can be used to track FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave signal) signals, as well as perform the entire signal processing and evaluation. Radar sensor devices can be used to perform transmission and reception operations.

[0070] In particular, the central electronic computing equipment can generate optical carrier frequencies, especially optical transmission signals, within the terahertz frequency range. The signal to be transmitted, especially the optical transmission signal, at one-eighth of the radar frequency of the radar system, is modulated onto this optical carrier frequency and transmitted or transmitted to the radar sensor device with optical phase or amplitude modulation or frequency modulation. In this way, the frequency can be multiplied eightfold, thereby enabling radar radiation, especially radar-embedded signals. Signal detection is performed in the reverse manner. All data is processed at the central station, especially on the central electronic computing equipment.

[0071] The central electronic computing device is coupled to the optical input and optical output ports of the radar sensor device via one or more glass fibers. Therefore, the optical transmission signal generated by the central electronic computing device is coupled into the glass fibers and transmitted to the optical input port of the radar sensor device via optical signal transmission. Thus, the transmission of the carrier signal or radar drive signal occurs via the optical transmission path. In particular, the glass fiber can be a glass fiber line. Similarly, the central electronic computing device is coupled to the optical output port via the glass fibers. Therefore, the radar sensor device, especially the modulation device of the radar sensor device, can couple the optical output signal into the glass fibers and transmit it to the central electronic computing device to evaluate the received radar radiation.

[0072] In another embodiment, the central electronic computing device is configured to have a laser device having a coupling laser for generating a first optical transmission signal and a probe laser for generating a second optical transmission signal. It is also conceivable that the probe laser generates the first optical transmission signal, while the coupling laser generates the second optical transmission signal. Furthermore, the laser device is configured to couple the optical transmission signal into at least one glass fiber, which is coupled to the optical input port of a radar sensor device. For example, the laser device may have an additional optical frequency comb. Moreover, to couple the transmission signal into at least one glass fiber, the laser device may have an optical switch, relay section, or connection node, through which the optical transmission signal or optical signal can be transmitted to the radar sensor device, particularly to receiving and transmitting modules. Thus, by means of an optical switch, the optical transmission signal can be transmitted to multiple transmitting and / or receiving modules. It is also conceivable that these optical transmission signals be provided to multiple radar sensor devices.

[0073] In particular, the coupling of optical transmission signals can be performed based on the electrical control signals of the diagnostic unit and / or control unit.

[0074] In particular, optical transmission signals can be generated or produced based on a carrier signal, especially a CW laser, using a laser device. For this purpose, electrical control signals can be considered in particular. The optical receiving unit may additionally have an evaluation unit, wherein the optical output signal received by the optical receiving unit can be evaluated using the evaluation unit.

[0075] For example, a central electronic computing device may have fiber output ports and fiber input ports.

[0076] In another embodiment of another aspect, the central electronic computing device is configured to have a processing unit configured to convert the received optical signal into an electrical signal representing at least one radar information for use by the signal processing unit of the central electronic computing device. Therefore, the optical output signal of the radar sensor device can be transmitted to the central electronic computing unit. Processing of the information represented by the optical output signal can be performed by means of the processing unit. For this purpose, the optical signal is converted into an electrical signal. The radar information represented by the received electrical signal can then be evaluated by means of the electrical signal. This information can then be provided to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit can also be a component of the electronic computing device. For example, the processing of the optical output signal can be performed by means of a photodiode, heterodyne measurement, or homodyne measurement.

[0077] The evaluation of electrical signals can be achieved using digital interfaces (such as analog-to-digital converters) or by using FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). In particular, the digitization of electrical signals can be performed using signal processing units for evaluation. Furthermore, optical frequency combs can be integrated to perform broadband sampling of signal frequencies, especially external electromagnetic field frequencies.

[0078] In another embodiment, the central electronic computing device is configured to have a local oscillator, which is arranged to connect the laser device to the processing unit in a phase-locked connection. In particular, the local oscillator can provide an electronic interface for additional transmitting devices. Through the additional integration of the local oscillator or a phase-coupling unit, possible additional transmitting channels (i.e., TX channels) can be phase-locked to the central electronic processing unit electronically or optically. This processing unit may be a detector unit. Phase-locking can be understood as the phase remaining constant relative to each other.

[0079] Therefore, an additional electronic interface for other transmitting devices can be connected to a central electronic computing device.

[0080] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a radar system according to the preceding aspect or an advantageous improvement thereof.

[0081] For example, the vehicle can be a passenger car or a freight vehicle. For example, the vehicle can be a highly automated vehicle. For example, multiple radar sensor devices can be distributed over a large area in an array configuration within or at the vehicle. For example, a sparse array configuration can be used for this purpose.

[0082] For example, multiple individual chip modules or radar sensor devices can be arranged in a vehicle and connected to a central electronic computing device. This can be used, for example, in a vehicle's ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). For example, radar sensor devices, especially receiving and / or transmitting modules, can be arranged in the windshield, rear window, roof, or bumper.

[0083] Therefore, radar systems can be used, for example, for environmental monitoring in motor vehicles.

[0084] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a radar sensor device according to the preceding aspect or one of its advantageous improvements.

[0085] Therefore, by using electromagnetically induced transparency and the alternating Stark effect, a method for detecting broadband radiation can be realized or provided.

[0086] In particular, in the method according to the invention, an electrical receiving signal, a first optical transmission signal, and a second optical transmission signal are coupled into at least one quantum element such that the electrical receiving signal, the first optical transmission signal, and the second optical transmission signal interact with at least one quantum element, thereby generating electromagnetically induced transparency in at least one quantum element. Based on electromagnetically induced transparency, particularly the AC Stark effect, an optical output signal can be generated. Subsequently, the generated optical output signal can be transmitted to a central electronic computing device, where it is further processed.

[0087] Therefore, the reception of reflected radar signals and the generation of output signals are carried out in the radar sensor device, while the processing is carried out in a separate and physically separate central electronic computing device.

[0088] An embodiment of a single aspect of the invention should be considered as an advantageous embodiment of the other aspects. In particular, a corresponding embodiment of a single aspect can be considered as an advantageous embodiment of all other aspects. This also applies in reverse.

[0089] Advantageous design practices for radar sensor devices should be considered advantageous design practices for radar systems, vehicles, and methods. Therefore, radar sensor devices, radar systems, and vehicles typically possess features that enable the execution of the method or its advantageous design practices.

[0090] The present invention also includes improvements to the radar system according to the invention, the vehicle according to the invention, and the method according to the invention, said improvements having the features already described in relation to improvements to the radar sensor device according to the invention. For this reason, corresponding improvements to the radar system according to the invention, the vehicle according to the invention, and the method according to the invention will not be described here.

[0091] The present invention also includes combinations of features of the described embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0092] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. Wherein:

[0093] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a radar system is shown;

[0094] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the radar system in the diagram;

[0095] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the receiving equipment of the radar system in the diagram;

[0096] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the central electronic computing equipment of the radar system;

[0097] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Another embodiment of the central electronic computing device;

[0098] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 Another embodiment of the receiving device in the text;

[0099] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the gas-filled photovoltaic cell (Gaszelle) in the proposed implementation scheme;

[0100] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of the gas-filled photovoltaic cell in the implementation scheme;

[0101] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the radar system in the diagram; and

[0102] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of an embodiment of the radar system in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0103] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each constitute a single feature of the invention that should be considered independently of each other, and these features also independently further extend the invention, and therefore can be considered individually or in combinations other than those shown as part of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by additional features among the already described features of the invention.

[0104] In the figure, components with the same function are given the same reference numerals.

[0105] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of vehicle 1 is shown, which may be, for example, a motor vehicle. Vehicle 1 includes, for example, a radar system 2. Radar system 2 may be, for example, a sensor system of vehicle 1 or an environmental sensor system. For this purpose, radar system 2 may, for example, be networked and communicate with one or more driver assistance systems or other vehicle systems. For example, radar system 2 may be a radar sensor or a lidar sensor or other types of sensors, especially sensors for vehicles.

[0106] In addition to using radar system 2 in vehicle 1, it can also be used in systems outside the vehicle. For this purpose, a communication transmission or remote communication system can be referenced.

[0107] Figure 2 An example view, particularly a block diagram, of a radar system 2 is shown. The radar system 2 may have at least one radar sensor device 3 and a central electronic computing device 4. For example, the radar sensor device 3 and the central electronic computing device 4 may be separate and physically separated units. The central electronic computing device is a central unit. For example, the central electronic computing device 4 may generate electrical control signals, which can be used to manipulate or control a laser device 5. The laser device 5 may be, for example, a CW laser. In particular, the laser device 5 may include a coupling laser and a probing laser. In particular, at least one optical transmission signal or carrier signal 6 may be generated by means of the laser device 5. Here, 6 may represent a first optical transmission signal, and 7 may represent a second optical transmission signal. For example, optical transmission signals 6 and 7 may be referred to as optical carrier signals in the terahertz frequency range. The central electronic computing device 4 may, for example, generate an optical carrier frequency. The signal to be transmitted, carrying one-eighth of the radar frequency, is modulated onto this optical carrier frequency and transmitted, for example, to the radar sensor device 3. In this way, a frequency multiplication by eight is possible. With the help of radar sensor device 3, signals in the gigahertz frequency range can be received and transmitted to central electronic computing device 4.

[0108] For example, the computing device 4 includes at least one glass fiber 8, and the central electronic computing device 4 can be coupled to the optical input port 9 and optical output port 10 of the radar sensor device 3 via the glass fiber. Therefore, bidirectional signal transmission can be performed between the central electronic computing device 4 and the radar sensor device 3.

[0109] In particular, the laser device 5 includes a probe laser 11 for generating a first optical transmission signal 6 and a coupling laser 12 for generating a second optical transmission signal 7. The optical transmission signals 6 and 7 can be coupled into at least one glass fiber 8. Furthermore, the central electronic computing device 4 is configured to receive the optical output signal 13 of the radar sensor device 3. This is again accomplished via at least one glass fiber 8 or other fiber. Therefore, the central electronic computing device 4 has a phase input port and a phase output port. To receive the optical output signal 13, the central electronic computing device 4 may have an optical receiving unit 14. For example, the central electronic computing device 4 can process or generate and provide all necessary control signals and / or data processing signals. For this purpose, the central electronic computing device 4 can have a wide variety of modules and / or interfaces.

[0110] In addition to the optical input port 9 and the optical output port 9, the radar sensor device 3 may also have a transmitting device 15 and a receiving device 16. Therefore, the radar sensor device 3 has at least one receiving module and / or at least one transmitting module. In particular, the transmitting device 15 and the receiving device 16 can be integrated onto the same chip. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the transmitting device and the receiving device reside on different semiconductor chips.

[0111] With the aid of the transmitting device 15, an electrical radar emission signal 17 based on a first optical transmission signal 6 and / or a second optical transmission signal 7 can be emitted into the surrounding environment 18 of the vehicle 1. Thus, a radar signal can be emitted. If the radar emission signal 17 is now reflected in the surrounding environment 18 by an object (such as a road user, tree, or other vehicle), an electrical reception signal 19 corresponding to the electrical radar emission signal 17 and reflected in the surrounding environment 18 can be received.

[0112] For example, transmitting device 15 may have at least one antenna 20 or antenna element for transmitting.

[0113] For example, the transmitted radar signal 17 and the received signal 19 can be in the terahertz or gigahertz frequency range. Therefore, by means of the radar system 2, frequency conversion of the terahertz carrier signal, especially the transmission signals 6 and 7, can be performed in the gigahertz frequency range for transmission. Conversely, reception of gigahertz signals and modulation onto the terahertz carrier signal can be performed.

[0114] exist Figure 3A schematic diagram of the receiving device 16 is shown. In particular, the receiving device 16 can be designed so compactly and especially minimally because it does not have a conventional receiving antenna. For this purpose, a conversion device 21 is provided. The conversion device 21 can be constructed as a unit on its own or can be a component of the receiving device 16. In particular, the conversion device 21 can be integrated on an optical carrier substrate, a polymer substrate, a photonic chip, or an electro-photonic chip. Therefore, the receiving module based on an EIT (electromagnetically induced transparent) cell can be implemented on an electro-photonic co-integrated semiconductor chip (EPIC). Besides photonic co-integrated semiconductor chips, photonic chips, multi-chip solutions, or flip-chip solutions can also be used.

[0115] In particular, the conversion device 21 has at least one quantum element 22, wherein the conversion device 21 is configured to couple the electrical received signal 19, the first optical transmission signal 6, and the second optical transmission signal 7 into the at least one quantum element 22. For this purpose, the conversion device 21 may have a first coupling element 23. The first coupling element may be, for example, a linear waveguide. The first coupling element 23 can be used to couple the transmission signals 6, 7 provided at the optical input port 9 into the quantum element 22.

[0116] For example, by means of at least one quantum element 22, the conversion device 21 can be used as or implemented as an EIT detector unit (electromagnetically induced transparency detector unit). The optical transmission signals 6 and 7 are coherent radiation. Within the quantum element 22, the transmission signals 6 and 7 interact, i.e., the probe laser 11 and the coupling laser 12 interact. If the received signal 19 is now additionally coupled into the quantum element 22, electromagnetic induced transparency is generated. Therefore, the quantum element 22 can generate or produce an optical output signal 13. For example, an optical modulation unit 24 can be provided, which can be used to influence, adapt, or modulate the amplitude, polarization, frequency, and / or phase of the optical output signal 13. Furthermore, a diagnostic unit 37 can be provided, which can be used to manipulate and diagnose the signals.

[0117] With the aid of a second coupling element 25, which is different from the first coupling element 23, the optical output signal 13 can be coupled from at least one quantum element 22 and provided to the optical output port 10. The second coupling element 25 can be constructed in the same manner as the first coupling element 23. For example, at least one quantum element 22 can be constructed as a quantum wire, quantum dot, or quantum well. For this purpose, at least one quantum element 22 can also be constructed as a semiconductor material that is at least partially, and especially entirely, composed of indium arsenide, gallium arsenide, or gallium indium arsenide. In order to adapt the received signal 19 to the corresponding operating conditions or the application field of the radar system 2, at least one quantum element 22 can have at least partially, and especially entirely, a reflective coating and / or a dichroic coating. Thus, it is possible to determine which spectral bands can penetrate into the quantum element 22.

[0118] In particular, by means of the conversion device 21, the electrical receiving signal 19 and the transmission signals 6,7 can be coupled into at least one quantum element 22 such that these signals 6,7 interact with each other within the quantum element 22, thereby generating electromagnetically induced transparency in the quantum element 22, thereby generating or producing an optical output signal 13 based on the electromagnetically induced transparency and optionally through the AC Stark effect.

[0119] exist Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a central electronic computing device 4, particularly a central unit, is shown. To process or generate, in particular, the received output signal 13 and thus radar information and, in particular, control signals for the laser device 5, the computing device 4 may have a signal processing unit 26 or a signal handling unit. This computing device may be, for example, a PC, a CPU, or a signal handling unit. The signal processing unit 26 can be understood as a central unit that, for example, forwards control signals to a diagnostic and control module 27. This diagnostic and control module, in turn, controls the laser device 5 or the laser module. An optical switch 28 is used, for example, to supply at least one glass fiber 8. For example, the laser device 5 may have an additional output port through which signals 6,7 can be supplied to an additionally present transmitting module 29 for transmission. The received optical output signal 13 can be processed using a processing unit 30 or an optical detection unit. In this processing unit 30, optical detection can be performed using a photodiode, but homodyne or heterodyne detection can also be performed for frequency measurement. An optional integrated optical frequency comb enables broadband detection of the received radiation modulated on the probe laser. Therefore, radar information can be extracted from the output signal 13. This radar information is particularly useful for environmental detection of vehicle 1.

[0120] Subsequently, the data can be converted, for example, simply through digital interface 31 (such as an ADC or FPGA). Further signal processing can then optionally be performed in processing unit 32. Here, for example, low-order signal processing, such as a fast Fourier transform, can be performed. The data then reaches signal processing unit 26.

[0121] exist Figure 5 Another embodiment of the central electronic computing device 4 is shown. In this example, the computing device 4 additionally includes a local oscillator 33 or a phase coupling unit. The laser device 5 and the processing unit 30 can be connected in a phase-locked manner using the local oscillator or phase coupling unit. Similarly, the local oscillator 33 is connected to the signal processing unit 26. An additional electrical interface 34 can be connected to the laser device 5, for example, via the local oscillator 33. Therefore, signals can be supplied to additional transmitting devices. Unlike the interface used for the transmitting module 29, interface 34 is an electrical interface, while the interface for the transmitting module 29 is an optical interface.

[0122] exist Figure 6 Another possible embodiment is shown, in which the output signal 13 can be generated by means of electromagnetically induced transparency. However, for this purpose, a gas-filled photovoltaic cell or an atomic ensemble 35 can be used instead of at least one quantum element 22. The same description applies to other embodiments of the conversion device 21 as previously described. In this case, the signal is not coupled to the quantum element 22, but rather to the gas-filled photovoltaic cell 35. The gas-filled photovoltaic cell 35 may contain a special gas in which the coupled laser or signal generates electromagnetically induced transparency in consideration of the received signal 19, and thus provides radar information, especially frequency or amplitude information, as the output signal 13. As described above, this information can then be transmitted to a central electronic computing device 4 for processing or evaluation.

[0123] exist Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a miniaturized gas-filled photovoltaic cell 35 is shown. For example, this gas-filled photovoltaic cell can be filled with rubidium. This gas-filled photovoltaic cell can, for example, have an optical coupler to read out RF signals, and in particular, to receive signals. In particular, such a gas-filled photovoltaic cell 35 can be a mechanical EIT cell to integrate an atomic ensemble. For this purpose, conventional coupling can be performed between the fiber and the EIT cell.

[0124] For example, the gas-filled photovoltaic cell 35 has a length l of less than or equal to one millimeter.

[0125] exist Figure 8Another embodiment is shown, in which the integration of the EIT cell or gas-filled photovoltaic cell 35 is performed on a purely photonic chip. Therefore, no electronic components are used on this chip. Thus, a simplified receiving module or receiving device 16 is shown here. Coherent radiation can be coupled into the photonic semiconductor by means of a waveguide, which is then guided to the integrated gas-filled photovoltaic cell 35. Within the gas-filled photovoltaic cell 35, a coupled laser and a probe laser interact with the atomic ensemble, thereby producing electromagnetically induced transparency, as often described, when an external electromagnetic field interacts with the atomic ensemble. Frequency information and / or amplitude information are fed back to the central station via a separate waveguide and detected.

[0126] For example, in Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an embodiment in which multiple detector units or receiving devices 16 are integrated onto the same chip or semiconductor chip. This embodiment can be implemented as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional chip. All combined processing of the data can be performed in a central electronic computing device 4. Therefore, coherent processing is possible. This can be similar to what is done with a camera.

[0127] exist Figure 10 Another implementation scheme is shown in the figure, in which, as follows: Figure 8 As already exemplarily shown, multiple detector units are integrated onto the same chip. Additionally, an electronic backend 36 can be provided here. Therefore, additional data processing, such as data preprocessing, future extraction, classification using machine learning, hardware acceleration, or partial integration of the central station's periphery, can be performed on the common chip.

[0128] List of reference numerals

[0129] 1 vehicle

[0130] 2. Radar System

[0131] 3. Radar sensor device

[0132] 4. Central electronic computing equipment

[0133] 5. Laser equipment

[0134] 6,7 First and second optical transmission signals

[0135] 8. Glass fiber

[0136] 9 Optical input ports

[0137] 10 Optical output ports

[0138] 11. Detecting the laser

[0139] 12 Coupled Lasers

[0140] 13 Optical Output Signal

[0141] 14 Receiving Unit

[0142] 15. Transmitting equipment

[0143] 16 Receiving equipment

[0144] 17. The radar emitted a signal.

[0145] 18. Surrounding Environment

[0146] 19 Electrical signal reception

[0147] 20 antenna elements

[0148] 21. Transformation Equipment

[0149] 22 Quantum Components

[0150] 23 First coupling element

[0151] 24 Optical modulation units

[0152] 25 Second coupling element

[0153] 26 Signal Processing Units

[0154] 27. Diagnostic and Control Module

[0155] 28 Optical Switch

[0156] 29 Sending Module

[0157] 30 processing units

[0158] 31 Digital Interface

[0159] 32 processing units

[0160] 33 Local Oscillator

[0161] 34 Electrical Interfaces

[0162] 35 gas-filled photovoltaic cells

[0163] 36 Backend

[0164] 37 Diagnostic Unit

[0165] l length

Claims

1. A radar sensor arrangement (3) for a vehicle (1), having - an optical input opening (9) for receiving a first optical transmission signal (6) and a second optical transmission signal (7) different from the first optical transmission signal (6), - a transmitting device (15) for transmitting an electrical radar emission signal (17) based on the first optical transmission signal (6) and / or the second optical transmission signal (7) into a surrounding (18) of the vehicle (1), and - a receiving device (16) for receiving an electrical reception signal (19) corresponding to the electrical radar emission signal (17) and reflected in the surrounding (18), characterized by - a conversion device (21) having at least one quantum element (22), wherein the conversion device (21) is configured to couple the electrical reception signal (19), the first optical transmission signal (6) and the second optical transmission signal (7) into the at least one quantum element (22), wherein - the at least one quantum element (22) is configured to generate an optical output signal (13) from the coupled electrical reception signal (19), the first optical transmission signal (6) and the second optical transmission signal (7).

2. The radar sensor arrangement (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conversion device (21) is configured to couple the first optical transmission signal (6) and the second optical transmission signal (7) into the at least one quantum element (22) in such a way that an electromagnetically induced transparency is generated in the at least one quantum element (22).

3. The radar sensor arrangement (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first optical transmission signal (6) and the second optical transmission signal (7) have different wavelengths from one another.

4. The radar sensor arrangement (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one quantum element (22) is configured as a quantum wire, a quantum dot or a quantum well.

5. The radar sensor arrangement (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a semiconductor material of the at least one quantum element (22) is formed at least partially from indium arsenide, gallium arsenide or gallium indium arsenide.

6. The radar sensor arrangement (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the conversion device (21) has a first coupling element (23) for coupling the optical transmission signals (6, 7) into the at least one quantum element (22), - the conversion device (21) has a second coupling element (25) different from the first coupling element (23) for coupling the optical output signal (13) out of the at least one quantum element (22) and for providing the optical output signal (13) to an optical output opening (10) of the radar sensor arrangement (3). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. Radar sensor device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an optical modulation unit (24) is configured to influence the amplitude, the polarization, the frequency and / or the phase of the optical output signal (13).

8. Radar sensor device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radar sensor device (3) is configured as a single-chip system or a multi-chip system.

9. Radar sensor device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one quantum element (22) has at least locally a reflective coating and / or a dichroic coating.

10. Radar system (2) with at least one radar sensor device (3) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 and a central electronic computing device (4), wherein - the central electronic computing device (4) is set up to generate optical transmission signals (6, 7) for the radar sensor device (3) and to receive optical output signals (13), - the central electronic computing device (4) is coupled via at least one glass fiber (8) to an optical input port (9) and to an optical output port (10) of the radar sensor device (3), respectively, and - the central electronic computing device (4) has an optical receiving unit (14) set up to receive the optical output signals (13) via the at least one glass fiber (8) coupled to the optical output port (10) of the radar sensor device (3).

11. Radar system (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that - the central electronic computing device (4) has a laser device (5) with a probe laser (11) for generating the first optical transmission signal (6) and a coupling laser (12) for generating the second optical transmission signal (7), and - the laser device (5) is set up to couple the optical transmission signals (6, 7) into the at least one glass fiber (8) coupled to the optical input port (9) of the radar sensor device (3).

12. Radar system (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the central electronic computing device (4) has a processing unit (30) set up to convert the received optical output signals (13) into electrical signals characterizing at least one radar information for a signal processing unit (26) of the central electronic computing device (4).

13. Radar system (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the central electronic computing device (4) has a local oscillator (33) set up to phase- lock the laser device (5) to the processing unit (30).

14. Radar system (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that an electronic interface (34) for a further transmitting device can be provided with the local oscillator (33).

15. A vehicle (1) having a radar system (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. A method for operating a radar sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein - the electrical reception signal (19), the first optical transmission signal (6) and the second optical transmission signal (7) are coupled into the at least one quantum element (22) in such a way that the electrical reception signal (19), the first optical transmission signal (6) and the second optical transmission signal (7) interact with the at least one quantum element (22) and thereby generate an electromagnetically induced transparency in the at least one quantum element (22), and wherein - the optical output signal (13) is generated from the electromagnetically induced transparency.

17. A radar sensor device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 16, wherein - the at least one quantum element (22) is a quantum dot, a quantum well or a quantum wire.

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