VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of VCSEL module based on strong and weak light source, including transmitting module and receiving module, the transmitting module includes main light source, weak light source and transmitting lens, the weak light source is set in the adjacent place of the main light source, at least one weak light source is provided in the adjacent place of the main light source, the power of the weak light source is less than the main light source, the transmitting lens is located in the light exit side of the main light source and weak light source.In prior art, by adjusting the power of strong light source, the maximum power W1, but its minimum power can only reach W2, can not be further reduced, but for close-range object, the power of W2 is relatively large, leading to small dynamic range.The VCSEL module of the utility model meets close-range high dynamic range and ranging accuracy requirement, adopts weak pulse to cover the interval, at the same time, the strong pulse of main light source covers middle and long distance section, so that relatively accurate close-range high dynamic range ranging activity can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of VCSEL modules, and in particular to a VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources. Background Technology

[0002] VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) modules are a special type of laser device with a vertical emission structure. Unlike traditional edge-emitting lasers, the laser beam of a VCSEL laser is emitted vertically from the surface of the device, giving it unique characteristics and application advantages. VCSEL laser modules have wide applications in optical communication, 3D sensing, facial recognition, biomedical imaging, optical sensing, and laser printing. In optical communication, VCSEL laser modules are widely used in fiber optic communication modules, data center interconnects, fiber optic sensing, and optical radar applications. Existing VCSEL modules designed for accurate ranging in the mid-to-long-range segment, while capable of accurate ranging in high dynamic range applications, fall short in short-range ranging. Therefore, existing technology requires further improvement. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This utility model provides a VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, including a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module includes a main light source, a weak light source, and a transmitting lens. The weak light source is disposed near the main light source. At least one weak light source is disposed near the main light source. The power of the weak light source is less than that of the main light source. The transmitting lens is located on the light-emitting side of the main light source and the weak light source.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, the weak light source is defocused relative to the emitting lens.

[0006] Furthermore, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, both the weak light source and the main light source are set on the same plane, at the focal length position of the emitting lens.

[0007] Specifically, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, the power of the main light source is 2 to 3 times that of the weak light source.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources has a large light-emitting aperture on the light-emitting side of the main light source and a small light-emitting aperture on the light-emitting side of the weak light source.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, a converging lens is disposed above the large light-emitting aperture.

[0010] Furthermore, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, a wide-angle lens or a uniform light lens is provided above the small light-emitting aperture.

[0011] Specifically, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, all large light-emitting holes are located in the middle of the emitting module, and all small light-emitting holes are located around the emitting module.

[0012] More specifically, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, each small light-emitting hole is located on one side of each large light-emitting hole.

[0013] Furthermore, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, the small light-emitting aperture is a light-emitting aperture with a reduced light-emitting diameter from the large light-emitting aperture. The large light-emitting aperture is distributed in regions, and there is at least one small light-emitting aperture in each region.

[0014] Compared to existing technologies, this utility model provides a VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, including a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module includes a main light source, a weak light source, and a transmitting lens. The weak light source is located near the main light source, and at least one weak light source is located near the main light source. The power of the weak light source is less than that of the main light source. The transmitting lens is located on the light-emitting side of the main light source and the weak light source. In existing technologies, the power of the strong light source is adjusted from the maximum power W1 to the minimum power W2. However, the minimum power can only be reached at W2 and cannot be further reduced. For objects at close range, the power W2 is still relatively high, resulting in a small dynamic range. The VCSEL module of this utility model meets the requirements of high dynamic range and ranging accuracy at close range by using weak pulses to cover this range, while retaining the strong pulses of the main light source to cover the mid-to-long-range segment, thereby achieving relatively accurate high dynamic range ranging activities at both close and long ranges. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this utility model, showing the arrangement of a light-emitting aperture.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this utility model, showing the arrangement of another light-emitting hole.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this utility model, showing another light-emitting hole setting.

[0020] Explanation of icon numbers: Transmission Module 100 Receiver Module 200 Main light source 110 Low light source 120 130-degree emission lens Large light-emitting hole 300 Small light-emitting hole 400 Detailed Implementation The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0022] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, including a transmitting module 100 and a receiving module 200. The transmitting module 100 includes a main light source 110, a weak light source 120, and a transmitting lens 130. The weak light source 120 is disposed adjacent to the main light source 110, and at least one weak light source 120 is disposed adjacent to the main light source 110. The power of the weak light source 120 is less than that of the main light source 110. The transmitting lens 130 is located on the light-emitting side of the main light source 110 and the weak light source 120. In the prior art, by adjusting the power of the strong light source, it is gradually reduced from the maximum power W1 to the minimum power W2. However, its minimum power can only reach W2 and cannot be further reduced. But for objects at close range, the power W2 is still relatively large, resulting in a small dynamic range.

[0024] This invention's VCSEL module meets the requirements for high dynamic range and ranging accuracy at close range. It uses a weak pulse to cover this range, while retaining the strong pulse from the main light source 110 to cover the mid-to-long-range section, thus achieving relatively accurate ranging at both close and long ranges with high dynamic range. Furthermore, in this invention's VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, the weak light source 120 is defocused relative to the emitting lens 130. This defocusing arrangement ensures that the weak light source 120 is not on the focal plane, causing the light spot to diffuse, thereby enabling closer measurements at close range and reducing the near-range blind zone.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this utility model, the weak light source 120 and the main light source 110 are both disposed on the same plane, at the focal length position of the emitting lens 130. The main light source 110 and the weak light source 120 are mounted on the same plane, and the emitting lens 130 is mounted above them.

[0026] In addition to the main light source 110, the present utility model also provides a low-light light source 120 with a lower power than the main light source 110. The power range of the main light source 110 is W2 - W1, where W2 < W1, and the power range of the low-light light source 120 is W4 - W3, where W4 < W3. The power of W4 can be gradually adjusted from the maximum W3 to the minimum W4. W3 and W2 partially overlap, that is, W3 > W2. The low-light light source 120 can reduce the power to W4, which is suitable for closer objects. Specifically, for the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by the present utility model, the power of the main light source 110 can be 2 - 3 times that of the low-light light source 120.

[0027] The VCSEL module of the present utility model has two light sources, namely the main light source 110 and the low-light light source 120, and has different effects in different ranging intervals. For example, in some embodiments, the ranging range of the main light source 110 is 0 - 30m, and the ranging range of the low-light light source 120 is 5cm - 2m. Then, within the measurement distance of 0 - 1m, the SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) device will be saturated under the strong pulse emitted by the main light source 110, and different degrees of walk error have the same compensation value, which ultimately easily leads to poor accuracy. Under the weak pulse of the low-light light source 120, it can be ensured that there is no device saturation under diffuse reflection within 1m, thus ensuring the accuracy at close range. Within the measurement distance of 1 - 2m, both strong and weak pulses can achieve relatively accurate ranging. At this time, either the main light source 110 or the low-light light source 120 can be selected for ranging. And within the measurement distance of 2 - 30m, generally, the strong pulse of the main light source 110 is selected for ranging. That is to say, for short-distance ranging, the low-light light source 120 is used for ranging, and for long-distance ranging, a strong light source is used for ranging. Between the short-distance ranging interval and the long-distance ranging interval, there is a transition ranging interval. Within the distance range of this interval, it is feasible to use the main light source 110 for ranging and the low-light light source 120 for ranging.

[0028] Based on the product structure of the present utility model, the present utility model also provides a ranging method based on the VCSEL module with strong and weak light sources, including: Start the main light source 110 for ranging; If the measured distance is within the short-distance ranging interval, turn off the main light source 110, start the low-light light source 120 for ranging, and output the measurement data; If the measured distance is within the transition ranging interval, first measure the distance L1, then turn on the low-light light source 120 for ranging, measure the distance L2, compare the accuracies of L1 and L2, and output the measurement data with higher accuracy; If the measured distance is within the long-distance ranging interval, directly output the measurement data under the strong pulse of the main light source 110.

[0029] Specifically, the short-range distance measurement interval can be less than or equal to 1m, the transition distance measurement interval can be greater than 1m and less than or equal to 2m, and the long-range distance measurement interval can be greater than 2m.

[0030] Preferably, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this invention, the main light source 110 has a large light-emitting aperture 300 on its light-emitting side, and the weak light source 120 has a small light-emitting aperture 400 on its light-emitting side. Specifically, the diameter of the large light-emitting aperture 300 can be 2 to 3 times the diameter of the small light-emitting aperture 400. Furthermore, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this invention, a converging lens is provided above the large light-emitting aperture 300, which is beneficial for improving its distance measurement performance. Furthermore, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this invention, a wide-angle lens or a uniform light lens is provided above the small light-emitting aperture 400, which is beneficial for improving its PDE (photon detection efficiency).

[0031] The light-emitting aperture can be configured differently in different embodiments.

[0032] For example, when the weak light source 120 is in focus, both the large light-emitting aperture 300 and the small light-emitting aperture 400 are positioned on the same plane, reflecting light in a time-division manner. However, when the weak light source 120 is defocused, there is a height difference between the large light-emitting aperture 300 and the small light-emitting aperture 400, and they are positioned on different planes. Generally, the small light-emitting aperture 400 can be positioned closer to or further away from the inner emitting lens 130, which can change the height difference between the small light-emitting aperture 400 and the large light-emitting aperture 300. However, preferably, the small light-emitting aperture 400 can be moved away from the emitting lens 130, so that the small light-emitting aperture 400 is behind the large light-emitting aperture 300. This will not affect the light output of the large light-emitting aperture 300, thereby further ensuring the accuracy of long-distance measurements.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the light-emitting hole arrangement, specifically, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this utility model, all the large light-emitting holes 300 are arranged in the middle position of the emitting module 100, and all the small light-emitting holes 400 are arranged around the emitting module 100.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment with different light-emitting aperture settings, specifically, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this invention, each small light-emitting aperture 400 is disposed on one side of each large light-emitting aperture 300, and each large light-emitting aperture 300 corresponds to a small light-emitting aperture 400. This arrangement helps to keep the emitted light spot energy uniform.

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, in another embodiment of the light-emitting aperture arrangement, specifically, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this utility model, the small light-emitting aperture 400 is a light-emitting aperture of the large light-emitting aperture 300 with a reduced light-emitting diameter. The large light-emitting aperture 300 is arranged in zones, and there is at least one small light-emitting aperture 400 in each zone. The small light-emitting aperture 400 is modified from the large light-emitting aperture 300, and the arrangement of the small light-emitting aperture 400 is achieved by masking the large light-emitting aperture 300. This arrangement facilitates wiring.

[0036] In summary, the VCSEL module of this invention meets the requirements for high dynamic range and ranging accuracy at close range. It uses a weak pulse to cover this range while retaining the strong pulse of the main light source to cover the mid-to-long-range segment, thus achieving relatively accurate ranging at both close and long ranges with a high dynamic range. Furthermore, in the VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources provided by this invention, the weak light source is defocused relative to the emitting lens. This defocusing arrangement ensures that the weak light source is not on the focal plane, causing the light spot to diffuse, thereby enabling closer measurements at close range and reducing the near-range blind zone.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources, comprising a transmitting module and a receiving module, characterized in that, The emission module includes a main light source, a low-light source, and an emission lens. The low-light source is located near the main light source. At least one low-light source is located near the main light source. The power of the low-light source is less than that of the main light source. The emission lens is located on the light-emitting side of the main light source and the low-light source.

2. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weak light source is defocused relative to the emitting lens.

3. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-light source and the main light source are both located on the same plane, at the focal length of the emitting lens.

4. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power of the main light source is 2 to 3 times that of the weak light source.

5. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main light source has a large light-emitting aperture on its light-emitting side, and the weak light source has a small light-emitting aperture on its light-emitting side.

6. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 5, characterized in that, A converging lens is positioned above the large light-emitting aperture.

7. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 5, characterized in that, A wide-angle lens or a uniform light lens is provided above the small light-emitting hole.

8. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 5, characterized in that, The large light-emitting hole is located in the middle of the transmitting module, and the small light-emitting holes are located around the transmitting module.

9. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each small light-emitting hole is located on one side of each large light-emitting hole.

10. The VCSEL module based on strong and weak light sources according to claim 5, characterized in that, The small light-emitting hole is a light-emitting hole with a reduced light-emitting diameter than the large light-emitting hole. The large light-emitting holes are arranged in different areas, and there is at least one small light-emitting hole in each area.

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