Optical waveguide assembly and related apparatus

Abstract

An optical waveguide assembly and a related apparatus. The optical waveguide assembly comprises: M first coupling units and a first optical signal processing assembly; the first optical signal processing assembly are provide with M first ports and N second ports, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and N is less than or equal to M; the first optical signal processing assembly comprises at least M-2 first phase control units and at least two power distribution units; the first phase control units are arranged between the first coupling units and the power distribution units, or the first phase control units are arranged between any two power distribution units among the at least two power distribution units. The optical waveguide assembly can transmit inputted optical signals to output ports according to configured transmittance, solve the problem of walk-off in a laser radar, can realize relative equalization between a received long-distance optical signal and short-distance optical signal, and reduce the number of components required by the optical waveguide assembly.

Description

Optical waveguide components and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 28, 2023, with application number 202311847672.1 and application name “Optical Waveguide Components and Related Devices”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of laser radar technology, and in particular to an optical waveguide component and related devices. Background Art

[0003] With the development of information technology and computer vision, detection technology has made rapid progress. A wide variety of detection devices have brought great convenience to people's lives and travel. Detection devices can be thought of as the "eyes" that perceive the environment. These include visual sensors such as cameras and radar sensors such as millimeter-wave radar, laser radar, and ultrasonic radar. Among them, laser radar (light detection and ranging, or Lidar) boasts high resolution, excellent detection performance, and strong concealment. It plays a crucial role in environmental perception and has been widely used in the field of intelligent driving, contributing to the further development of intelligent driving technology. Coherent laser radar uses frequency-modulated light as a transmitting signal for target detection. It processes the local oscillation (LO) of the transmitted signal and the return signal to obtain relevant information about the target. The laser carrier of a coherent laser radar is often modulated in a certain pattern, causing the frequency to vary over time. This pattern can be sawtooth, triangular, or sinusoidal. A laser radar whose emitted light beam frequency changes linearly is called a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) laser radar. It combines laser linear frequency sweep ranging technology and scanning imaging technology, has unique speed detection advantages, and is widely used in intelligent driving scenarios.

[0004] A laser radar consists of a transmitter and a receiver. Because it needs to transmit and receive laser light, it also requires a variety of optical components to process the light beam. Especially for FMCW laser radars, coherent components (such as the optical path for transmitting LO, the mixing components for the return signal and LO, etc.) are required to support coherent detection. Currently, FMCW laser radars use a combination of fast-rotating mirrors and slow-scanning mirrors to perform two-dimensional light beam scanning. After the silicon optical waveguide emits the light signal, it passes through the transmitting optical lens and illuminates the fast-rotating mirror. After being reflected by the object to be measured, it is coupled to the silicon optical chip through the folding mirror and the receiving optical lens. After the light beam is reflected by the target, the delay time of the short-range echo light signal and the long-range echo light signal is different due to the different distances to the target to be measured. When the scanning mirror continues to rotate, a delay angle related to the target distance is generated. Due to the existence of the delay angle, the transmission paths of the short-distance echo light signal and the long-distance echo light signal are no longer consistent before and after passing through the scanning device, and are offset relative to the receiving waveguide position, which produces a walk-off effect. This makes it difficult for the echo light signal to be coupled to the silicon photonic chip through the waveguide, thereby causing the echo light signal to be lost.

[0005] How to solve the above-mentioned walk-off problem is a hot issue currently being studied by those skilled in the art.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide an optical waveguide assembly and related devices that can solve the walk-off problem in FMCW lidar.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical waveguide assembly, the optical waveguide assembly comprising:

[0009] M first coupling units and a first optical signal processing component, the first optical signal processing component having M first ports and N second ports, M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and N is less than or equal to M; wherein:

[0010] The first optical signal processing component includes at least M-2 first phase control units and at least two power distribution units;

[0011] The first phase-controlled unit is arranged between the first coupling unit and the power distribution unit, or the first phase-controlled unit is arranged between any two power distribution units among the at least two power distribution units.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, an optical waveguide component is provided, which includes M first coupling units and a first optical signal processing component. The M first coupling units and the first optical signal processing component can be high-density integrated chip components, which can reduce the overall system volume of the optical waveguide component.

[0013] Among them, the M first coupling units are used to couple the optical signal in the spatial light field to the first optical signal processing component, or, the optical signal output by the first optical signal processing component can also be coupled to the spatial light field. Therefore, the optical waveguide component in the embodiment of the present application is applicable to both signal receiving scenarios and signal sending scenarios, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. The first optical signal processing component has M first ports and N second ports. Through the internal structure of the component, M-way signal input and N-way signal output can be realized, or N-way signal input and M-way signal output can be realized. Specifically, the first optical signal processing component can transmit the input optical signal to the output port according to any configured transmittance through at least two internal power distribution units. It can be understood that when there is only one first port and one second port with signal input or output, the transmittance of the configuration is one value. When there are M first ports and N second ports with signal input or output, the transmittance of the configuration includes M×N values. Transmission according to any configured transmittance can be understood as configuring the required transmittance in advance according to any application scenario, or it can be understood as adjusting the configured transmittance in real time according to changes in the requirements of the application scenario during transmission. This application does not impose any restrictions on this. The at least M-2 first phase-controlled units in the first optical signal processing component are used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal so that after the nth second port satisfies the phase matching condition, the energy of the output optical signal can be expressed as T=P1×S1n+P2×S2n+…+Pm×Smn, where S1n, S2n, …, and Smn respectively represent the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the first first port to the mth first port and output from the nth second port, and P1, P2, …, and Pm respectively represent the power of the optical signal input from the first first port to the mth first port. It can be seen that through the cooperation of the at least M-2 first phase-controlled units and the at least two power distribution units, the energy of the optical signal output from the nth second port can be relatively balanced regardless of which first port the optical signal input is from, that is, P1×S1n, P2×S2n, …, and Pm×Smn are relatively balanced, thereby ensuring that an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output regardless of how the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target changes. Optionally, the first phase-controlled unit may be disposed between the first coupling unit and the power distribution unit, or may be disposed between any two power distribution units among the at least two power distribution units, which is not limited in the present application.

[0014] Currently, after the outgoing light beam from the LiDAR transmitter reflects off the target, the delay times of the short-range and long-range echo signals differ due to the different distances to the target being measured. As the scanning mirror continuously rotates, a delay angle related to the target distance is generated. This delay angle causes the short-range and long-range echo signals to travel in different paths before and after passing through the scanning device, offsetting their positions relative to the receiving waveguide. This creates a walk-off effect, making it difficult for the echo signal to be coupled through the waveguide to the silicon photonic chip, leading to loss of the echo signal.

[0015] In the embodiment of the present application, the long-distance echo optical signal can be received by M first coupling units and transmitted to the first optical signal processing component. The first phase control unit in the first optical signal processing component performs phase adjustment on the long-distance echo optical signal, and the power distribution unit in the first optical signal processing component transmits the input long-distance echo optical signal to the output port according to the configured transmittance. This can make the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target have a smaller loss, while the echo optical signal corresponding to the close-range target has a larger loss. In this way, no matter how the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target moves away, an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and achieving relative balance between the received echo optical signals corresponding to the long-distance target and the echo optical signals corresponding to the close-range target, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component, the M first ports are used to receive optical signals, and the first optical signal processing component processes the optical signals received by the M first ports, and the corresponding transmittance increases along the first direction.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific embodiment is provided in which an optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component. Specifically, when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component, M first ports are used to receive optical signals, and the nth port among the N second ports is used to output the optical signal processed by the first optical signal processing component, wherein the transmittance corresponding to the optical signals received by the M first ports after processing by the first optical signal processing component increases along a first direction, optionally, the first direction may be the direction of departure of the optical signal. For example, the increase in transmittance along the first direction can be expressed as S1n≤S2n≤…≤Smn, wherein 1, 2,…,m are the corresponding port numbers of the M first ports arranged in order from receiving long-distance echo optical signals to receiving short-distance echo optical signals, m is a positive integer less than or equal to M, n is any port number of the N second ports, n is a positive integer less than or equal to N, and Smn represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal received by the mth first port and output from the nth second port after processing. It can be understood that by receiving, processing, and outputting optical signals according to the transmittance in the embodiment of the present application, the loss of the echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target can be reduced, while the loss of the echo optical signal corresponding to the close target can be increased. As a result, no matter how the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target changes, an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output and output at the nth second port. At this time, the output port can achieve a relative balance between the received echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target and the echo optical signal corresponding to the close target, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the optical waveguide component is an optical signal sending component, the M first ports are used to send optical signals, and after being processed by the first optical signal processing component, the transmittance corresponding to the optical signals sent by the M first ports increases along the second direction.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific embodiment is provided in which an optical waveguide component is an optical signal transmitting component. Specifically, when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal transmitting component, the nth second port among the N second ports is used to receive an optical signal, and the M first ports are used to output an optical signal processed by a first optical signal processing component, wherein the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal transmitted by the M first ports after processing by the first optical signal processing component increases along a second direction, and optionally, the second direction can be the direction of departure of the optical signal. For example, the increase in transmittance along the second direction can be expressed as Sn1≤Sn2≤…≤Snm, wherein n is the port number of one of the N second ports receiving the optical signal, n is a positive integer less than or equal to N, 1, 2, …, m are the port numbers corresponding to the M first ports arranged in order from transmitting long-distance optical signals to transmitting short-distance optical signals, m is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and Snm represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal received by the nth second port and output from the mth first port after processing. It can be understood that by receiving, processing, and outputting optical signals according to the transmittance in the embodiments of the present application, the loss of the return optical signal corresponding to a distant target can be reduced, while the loss of the return optical signal corresponding to a close target can be increased. This ensures that, regardless of the distance of the return optical signal corresponding to the distant target, a return optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output. Furthermore, the received return optical signals corresponding to distant targets and the return optical signals corresponding to close targets can be relatively balanced, thereby enabling simultaneous reception of close-range and distant return signals at a single output end, reducing the dynamic range requirements of the trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) circuit required in the subsequent stage. Compared to the method of using multiple waveguides to receive the stray light spots separately, the embodiments of the present application can reduce the number of components required in the receiving system.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, a sum s1 of M corresponding transmittances after the first optical signal processing component processes the optical signals received by the M first ports satisfies the following condition: 0.9≤s1≤1.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation is provided in which an optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component. Specifically, when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component, M first ports are used to receive optical signals, and the nth second port among N second ports is used to output optical signals processed by a first optical signal processing component, wherein the sum s1 of M transmittances corresponding to the optical signals received by the M first ports processed by the first optical signal processing component is within the interval [0.9, 1]. For example, the increase in the M transmittances along the outgoing direction of the optical signal can be expressed as S1n≤S2n≤…≤Smn, where 1, 2, …, m are the port numbers corresponding to the M first ports arranged in order from receiving the long-distance echo optical signal to receiving the short-distance echo optical signal, m is a positive integer less than or equal to M, n is the port number of one of the N second ports, n is a positive integer less than or equal to N, and Smn represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal received by the mth first port and output from the nth second port after processing. Then s1=S1n+S2n+…+Smn is in the interval [0.9, 1], that is,

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, a sum s2 of M transmittances corresponding to the optical signals transmitted by the M first ports after being processed by the first optical signal processing component satisfies the following condition: 0.9≤s2≤1.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation is provided in which an optical waveguide component is an optical signal transmitting component. Specifically, when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal transmitting component, the nth second port among the N second ports is used to receive an optical signal, and the M first ports are used to output an optical signal processed by a first optical signal processing component, wherein the sum s2 of the M transmittances corresponding to the optical signals transmitted by the M first ports after processing by the first optical signal processing component is within the interval [0.9, 1]. For example, the increase in the M transmittances along the away direction of the optical signal can be expressed as Sn1≤Sn2≤…≤Snm, where n is the port number of one of the N second ports receiving the optical signal, n is a positive integer less than or equal to N, 1, 2, …, m are the corresponding port numbers of the M first ports arranged in sequence from sending long-distance optical signals to sending short-distance optical signals, m is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and Snm represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal received by the nth second port and output from the mth first port after processing. Then s2=Sn1+Sn2+…+Snm is in the interval [0.9,1], that is,

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the first phase control unit is disposed between the first coupling unit and the power distribution unit, and includes:

[0025] The at least M-2 first phase-controlled units are connected in cascade to the M first coupling units.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of providing a first phase-controlled unit is provided, specifically, at least M-2 first phase-controlled units are cascade-connected to M first coupling units. Optionally, when the number of first phase-controlled units is M, the M first phase-controlled units are connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the M first coupling units. Optionally, when the number of first phase-controlled units is less than M, the at least M-2 first phase-controlled units are each connected to a first coupling unit, and the other first coupling units not connected to the first phase-controlled units are directly connected to the power distribution unit. Optionally, when the number of first phase-controlled units is greater than M, the M first coupling units are each connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the M first phase-controlled units, and the redundant first phase-controlled units are each connected to some of the first coupling units. The first phase-controlled unit provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal to meet the phase matching condition, thereby ensuring that coherent superposition is performed according to a preset transmittance when receiving the echo signal, thereby reducing energy loss.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the number x of layers formed by the cascade connection of the at least two power distribution units satisfies the following condition: p≤x≤q;

[0028] Wherein, x is an integer greater than 1, q is an integer greater than 1 and satisfies the following conditions: q=M-1, and p is an integer greater than 1 and satisfies the following conditions: 2 p-1 <M≤2 p .

[0029] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation method of setting up at least two power distribution units is provided. Specifically, the number of layers x formed by the cascade connection of the at least two power distribution units satisfies p≤x≤q, which can realize the transmission of the input optical signal to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solve the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and reduce the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0030] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=3 first ports, p=2, q=2, and the number of layers formed by cascading at least two power distribution units is x=2.

[0031] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports, p=2, q=3, and the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=2 or 3.

[0032] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=5 first ports, p=3, q=4, and the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=3 or 4.

[0033] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=6 first ports, p=3, q=5, and the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=3 or 4 or 5.

[0034] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=7 first ports, p=3, q=6, and the number of layers formed by cascading at least two power distribution units is x=3 or 4 or 5 or 6.

[0035] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=8 first ports, p=3, q=7, and the number of layers formed by cascading at least two power distribution units is x=3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the power distribution unit includes at least one of the following:

[0037] Directional couplers, multimode interferometers, star couplers, adjustable ratio couplers, and Y-beam splitters.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, several possible implementations of a power distribution unit are provided. Specifically, the power distribution unit can include at least one of a directional coupler, a multimode interferometer, a star coupler, an adjustable ratio coupler, and a Y-beam splitter. The power distribution unit in the embodiments of this application can transmit an input optical signal to an output port at any configured transmittance, resolving the walk-off problem in FMCW lidar while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a second 1×2 multimode interferometer;

[0040] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the first 1×2 multimode interferometer and the second 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least two power distribution units is provided. Specifically, the at least two power distribution units include a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a second 1×2 multimode interferometer. Through the cascade connection of the above three components, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar and reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a first 1×2 multimode interferometer;

[0043] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the second 2×2 directional coupler and the first 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least two power distribution units is provided. Specifically, the at least two power distribution units include a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a first 1×2 multimode interferometer. Through the cascade connection of the above three components, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar and reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a third 2×2 directional coupler;

[0046] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the second 2×2 directional coupler and the third 2×2 directional coupler in sequence;

[0047] Alternatively, one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, one side port of the second 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler and the other side port of the second 2×2 directional coupler are respectively connected in cascade to the third 2×2 directional coupler.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least two power distribution units is provided. Specifically, the at least two power distribution units include a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a third 2×2 directional coupler. Through the cascade connection of the above three components, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar and reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, a second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a third 1×2 multimode interferometer;

[0050] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the first 1×2 multimode interferometer, the second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and the third 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least two power distribution units is provided. Specifically, the at least two power distribution units include a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, a second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a third 1×2 multimode interferometer. Through the cascade connection of the above four components, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar and reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the at least two power distribution units include: a first adjustable ratio coupler, a second adjustable ratio coupler, and a third adjustable ratio coupler, wherein the coupling ratios configured for the adjustable ratio couplers are arbitrary values;

[0053] Wherein, one side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is cascade-connected to the second adjustable ratio coupler and the third adjustable ratio coupler in sequence;

[0054] Alternatively, one side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, one side port of the second adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler and the other side port of the second adjustable ratio coupler are respectively connected in cascade to the third adjustable ratio coupler.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least two power distribution units is provided. Specifically, the at least two power distribution units include a first adjustable ratio coupler, a second adjustable ratio coupler, and a third adjustable ratio coupler. Through the cascade connection of the above three components, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar and reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the adjustable ratio coupler includes at least one of the following:

[0057] Two 2×2 directional couplers and an adjustable phase control unit, wherein the adjustable phase control unit is arranged between the two 2×2 directional couplers;

[0058] Alternatively, a 2×2 directional coupler, an adjustable phase-controlled unit, and a 2×2 multimode interferometer, wherein the adjustable phase-controlled unit is disposed between the 2×2 directional coupler and the 2×2 multimode interferometer;

[0059] Alternatively, a 2×2 directional coupler, an adjustable phase-controlled unit and a 2×1 multimode interferometer, wherein the adjustable phase-controlled unit is arranged between the 2×2 directional coupler and the 2×1 multimode interferometer.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present application, several possible specific implementations of an adjustable ratio coupler are provided. Specifically, the adjustable ratio coupler may include the above-mentioned multiple components and their corresponding connection relationships, so that the required transmittance can be configured in advance according to any application scenario, or the configured transmittance can be adjusted in real time during the transmission process according to the changes in the requirements of the application scenario, so as to realize the transmission of the input optical signal to the output port according to the configured arbitrary transmittance, solve the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and at the same time reduce the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the at least two power distribution units include: at least one phase-controlled unit, a first multimode interferometer having M input ports and M output ports, and a second multimode interferometer having N input ports and N output ports;

[0062] One side port of the first multimode interferometer is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first multimode interferometer is cascade-connected to the at least one phase-controlled unit and the second multimode interferometer in sequence.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least two power distribution units is provided, specifically, the at least two power distribution units include at least one phase-controlled unit, a first multimode interferometer having M input ports and M output ports, and a second multimode interferometer having N input ports and N output ports. Through the cascade connection of the above at least three components, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar and reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the at least two power distribution units include: at least one phase control unit, a first star coupler having M input ports and M output ports, and a second star coupler having N input ports and N output ports;

[0065] One side port of the first star coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first star coupler is cascade-connected to the at least one phase-controlled unit and the second star coupler in sequence.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least two power distribution units is provided, specifically, the at least two power distribution units include at least one phase-controlled unit, a first star coupler having M input ports and M output ports, and a second star coupler having N input ports and N output ports. Through the cascade connection of the above at least three components, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar and reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0067] In a possible implementation, the optical waveguide assembly further includes:

[0068] Monitoring unit;

[0069] The monitoring unit is used to monitor the power of the optical signal in the first optical path from the spatial light field.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of an optical waveguide assembly is provided, specifically, the optical waveguide assembly further includes a monitoring unit, which is used to monitor the power of the optical signal in the first optical path from the spatial light field. It can be understood that the monitoring unit is suitable for signal reception scenarios and is beneficial for the assembly and adjustment of the radar system to which the optical waveguide assembly is applied. During the assembly of the optical assembly, it is necessary to couple the optical signal into the receiving assembly under static conditions (without a scanner). By setting up the monitoring unit, the static light spot position can be quickly aligned with the coupling unit. Therefore, the monitoring unit can monitor the working status of the receiving assembly under static conditions and can be used for self-testing of the lidar system.

[0071] In a possible embodiment, the monitoring unit is connected to the first output port of the first optical signal processing component, and the first optical path is an optical path in which the short-range echo optical signal from the spatial light field passes through the first coupling unit and the first optical signal processing component in sequence and is output from the first output port of the first optical signal processing component.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation method for setting up a monitoring unit is provided, specifically, the monitoring unit is connected to the first output port of the first optical signal processing component. In this case, the first optical path monitored by the monitoring unit is the optical path of the short-range echo optical signal from the spatial light field, which passes through the first coupling unit and the first optical signal processing component in sequence and is output from the first output port of the first optical signal processing component. Optionally, the first output port can be a port with input / output (I / O) function. Through the embodiment of the present application, one of the N second ports of the first optical signal processing component can be used as the first output port for connection to the monitoring unit to realize the installation and adjustment of the radar system used by the optical waveguide component.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the monitoring unit is connected to the second output port, and the first optical path is an optical path for the short-range echo optical signal from the spatial light field to be output from the second output port through the first coupling unit.

[0074] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of setting up a monitoring unit is provided, specifically, the monitoring unit is connected to the second output port. In this case, the first optical path monitored by the monitoring unit is the optical path of the short-range echo optical signal from the spatial light field passing through the first coupling unit and output from the second output port. Optionally, the second output port can be a port with input / output (I / O) function. Through this embodiment of the application, the N second ports of the first optical signal processing component can be not occupied. Instead, a single optical signal coupled through a first coupling unit can be used as the second output port for connection to the monitoring unit to achieve the installation and adjustment of the radar system used by the optical waveguide component.

[0075] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a transceiver device, which includes at least two optical waveguide components as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner thereof, and the at least two optical waveguide components are arranged off-axis or coaxially.

[0076] Through an embodiment of the present application, a transceiver device is provided, which includes at least two optical waveguide assemblies as described in the first aspect and any possible embodiment thereof, and the at least two optical waveguide assemblies are arranged off-axis or coaxially. It is understood that the at least two optical waveguide assemblies included in the transceiver device in the embodiment of the present application are suitable for both signal receiving scenarios and signal sending scenarios, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. Through the waveguide device in the embodiment of the present application, the input long-distance echo optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to the configured transmittance, so that the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target has a smaller loss, while the echo optical signal corresponding to the close-range target has a larger loss. Therefore, regardless of the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target, an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and achieving a relatively balanced echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target and the echo optical signal corresponding to the close-range target, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0077] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes the optical waveguide component described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or includes the transceiver described in the second aspect.

[0078] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radar or a radar system, which includes the optical waveguide component described in the first aspect or any possible embodiment of the first aspect, or includes the transceiver described in the second aspect, or includes the chip described in the third aspect.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the radar includes but is not limited to a laser radar, etc.

[0080] In a possible implementation, there may be a smart sensor integrating multiple sensors. When the smart sensor includes but is not limited to a laser detection function, the smart sensor may also be referred to as a radar or a radar system.

[0081] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, which includes the optical waveguide component described in the first aspect or any possible embodiment of the first aspect, or includes the transceiver described in the second aspect, or includes the chip described in the third aspect, or includes the radar or radar system described in the fourth aspect.

[0082] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle end, which includes the optical waveguide component described in the first aspect or any possible embodiment of the first aspect, or includes the transceiver described in the second aspect, or includes the chip described in the third aspect, or includes the radar or radar system described in the fourth aspect, or includes the terminal device described in the fifth aspect.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present application, an input long-distance echo optical signal can be transmitted to an output port according to a configured transmittance, so that the echo optical signal corresponding to a long-distance target has a smaller loss, while the echo optical signal corresponding to a close-range target has a larger loss. As a result, no matter how the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target moves away, an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output, thereby solving the walk-away problem in the FMCW laser radar. In addition, the received echo optical signals corresponding to long-distance targets and the echo optical signals corresponding to close-range targets can be relatively balanced, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0085] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG1B is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG2A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG2B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG4A is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG4B is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] FIG4C is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] FIG4D is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] FIG5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical waveguide provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another optical waveguide provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a directional coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of an adjustable ratio coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG16A is a schematic structural diagram of a transceiver provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG16B is a schematic structural diagram of a transceiver provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] FIG17A is a schematic structural diagram of a transceiver provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG17B is a schematic structural diagram of a transceiver provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG17C is a schematic structural diagram of a transceiver provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application.

[0113] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to the process, method, product, or device.

[0114] The “embodiment” mentioned herein means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be understood explicitly and implicitly by those skilled in the art that in the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified and there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0115] It should be understood that in the present application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0116] As mentioned in the background technology section, current LiDARs suffer from a walk-off effect, which prevents the return optical signal from being coupled to the silicon photonic chip via the waveguide, leading to loss of the return optical signal. This application provides an optical waveguide assembly and related devices, relating to the field of LiDAR technology, that can address the walk-off problem in FMCW LiDARs.

[0117] In order to more clearly describe the solution of this application, some possible application scenarios of lidar are introduced below.

[0118] Please refer to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , which are schematic diagrams of application scenarios of the radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0119] As shown in FIG1A and FIG1B , this exemplary application scenario takes the laser radar installed on a vehicle as an example.

[0120] The vehicle can be, for example, an unmanned vehicle, a smart vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a digital vehicle. The LiDAR can be deployed at various locations on the vehicle (see Figure 1B ). For example, the LiDAR can be deployed in any one or more of the four directions: front, rear, left, or right of the vehicle, to capture information about the vehicle's surroundings. Figure 1A takes the LiDAR deployed in front of the vehicle as an example. The LiDAR can sense the sector-shaped area shown in the dotted box in Figure 1A , which can be referred to as the LiDAR's detection area (or the LiDAR's field of view).

[0121] In one possible implementation, a lidar can acquire the vehicle's latitude and longitude, speed, and orientation, or related information (e.g., target distance, target speed, target pose, or grayscale image) of targets within a certain range (e.g., other nearby vehicles) in real time or periodically. The lidar or the vehicle can determine the vehicle's position and / or plan a path based on this information. For example, the vehicle's longitude and latitude can be used to determine the vehicle's location, its speed and orientation can be used to determine its future travel direction and destination, or the distances to surrounding objects can be used to determine the number and density of obstacles around the vehicle. Furthermore, it can optionally be combined with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) to enable assisted or autonomous driving. It should be understood that the principle by which lidar detects target related information is that the lidar emits detection light in a certain direction. If a target is within the lidar's detection area, the target reflects the received detection light back to the lidar (the reflected detection light is referred to as an echo signal). The lidar then determines the target's related information based on the echo signal.

[0122] It should be noted that the above application scenarios are merely examples. The laser radar provided in this application (including the optical waveguide assembly provided in this application) can also be applied in a variety of other possible scenarios, not limited to the scenarios exemplified above. For example, the laser radar can also be installed on a drone as an airborne radar. For another example, the laser radar can also be installed on a roadside unit (RSU) as a roadside traffic laser radar, enabling intelligent vehicle-road collaborative communication. For another example, the laser radar can be installed on an automated guided vehicle (AGV), where an AGV is a transport vehicle equipped with an electromagnetic or optical automatic navigation device that can travel along a specified navigation path and has safety protection and various transfer functions. A full list of these is omitted here. It should be understood that the application scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation of the technical solutions provided in this application. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that as new application scenarios emerge, the technical solutions provided in this application will also be applicable to similar technical problems.

[0123] Based on the above content, the above application scenarios can be applied to unmanned driving, automatic driving, assisted driving, intelligent driving, connected vehicles, security monitoring, remote interaction, surveying and mapping or artificial intelligence and other fields.

[0124] The following introduces some relevant knowledge about lidar in conjunction with Figures 2A and 2B.

[0125] Laser radar, also known as optical radar, is the abbreviation of light detection and ranging system, and can also be called Laser Radar or LADAR (laser detection and ranging).

[0126] LiDAR uses light as a detection medium, utilizing the emission and reception of lasers to detect targets, for example, to measure distance, velocity, or azimuth. LiDAR can measure distance to a target based on the laser's time of flight, which is the time difference between the laser's transmission and reception. Alternatively, it can measure distance to a target based on the phase difference between the transmitted laser signal and the received echo of the same laser signal. LiDAR's greatest advantage lies in its ability to create clear three-dimensional (3D) images of targets using Doppler imaging technology. LiDAR uses the emission and reception of lasers to collect information such as the 3D coordinates, reflectivity, and texture of a large number of densely packed points on the target's surface. Based on this collected information, LiDAR creates a 3D model of the target, builds a 3D point cloud, and creates an environmental map to achieve environmental perception. Compared with traditional passive imaging technologies such as visible light and infrared, lidar imaging technology has subverted the traditional two-dimensional projection imaging mode. It can collect depth information of the target surface and obtain relatively complete spatial information of the target. After data processing, it reconstructs the three-dimensional surface of the target to obtain a three-dimensional graphic that better reflects the geometric shape of the target. At the same time, it can also obtain rich feature information such as the reflection characteristics and movement speed of the target surface, providing sufficient information support for data processing such as target detection, identification, and tracking, and reducing the difficulty of the algorithm.

[0127] Please refer to FIG. 2A , which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 2A , the laser radar mainly includes a laser emitting part (or system) 100 , a laser receiving part (or system) 200 and a signal processing part (or system) 300 .

[0129] Among them, the laser emitting part 100 includes an excitation source (or laser driver), a laser, and an emitting optical system. The excitation source drives the laser to emit a laser beam (or laser pulse), and the laser beam (or laser pulse) is emitted outward through the emitting optical system. The laser receiving part 200 includes a receiving optical system and a detector. When the laser beam emitted from the laser radar encounters the target object, it interacts with the target object to form a reflected / scattered echo beam. The echo beam is collected by the receiving optical system and received by the detector. The optical signal is converted into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is passed to the signal processing part 300 after being processed by the analog front end. The processing part 300 processes the received signal to obtain information such as the distance, speed, azimuth, etc. of the target object. In addition, information such as the surface morphology and physical properties of the target can be obtained to establish an object model. The detector is typically a photodetector, which converts the received light signal into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is typically an analog signal. The signal processing unit 300 is typically used to process digital signals, such as a digital signal processor (DSP). Therefore, the analog electrical signal is converted into a digital signal via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and provided to the signal processing unit 300. The electrical signal can also be amplified and then converted into a digital signal via an analog-to-digital converter before being provided to the signal processing unit 300. The signal processing unit 300 includes signal processing circuitry for processing the digital signal to obtain information such as the distance, speed, and azimuth of the target object and further establish an object model. The lidar also includes control circuitry, such as a control unit for controlling the excitation source and a control unit for controlling the scan drive circuit. These two control units can be integrated or independent. Furthermore, the signal processing circuit and the control circuit can be integrated or independent.

[0130] In addition, in one implementation, the laser emitting part 100 may also include a laser modulator and a beam controller. The laser beam emitted by the laser passes through the beam controller. Under the control of the laser modulator, the beam controller controls the direction and number of lines of the emitted laser beam. The laser beam emitted from the beam controller passes through the emitting optical system and is emitted outward.

[0131] The laser radar system may also include a scanning unit (or system) 400. The laser beam emitted by the laser is scanned across a plane by the scanning unit 400 to generate real-time planar image information. The scanning unit 400 primarily comprises a scanning mechanism and a scanning drive circuit. The scanning drive circuit is used to drive the scanning mechanism, which transforms the laser beam from a "line" to a "plane" under the action of the scanning mechanism.

[0132] Taking the mechanical rotation scanning method as an example, please refer to Figure 2B for details. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0133] As shown in Figure 2B , the scanning drive circuit drives the scanning mechanism to rotate at a stable speed. After the laser beam enters the optical element of the transmitting optical system, the scanning mechanism drives the optical element to rotate, achieving dense scanning of the laser beam on the target plane to generate planar image information. The scanning mechanism is, for example, a motor, and the scanning drive circuit is a motor driver. The rotation of the motor drives the rotation of the optical element in the transmitting optical system, so that the laser beam incident on the optical element, after being reflected by the optical element, quickly and accurately achieves the effect of laser "line scanning" to "surface scanning."

[0134] Current FMCW LiDARs use a combination of a fast-rotating mirror and a slow-scanning mirror for two-dimensional beam scanning. After the light signal is emitted from the silicon optical waveguide, it passes through the transmitting optical lens and hits the fast-rotating mirror. After being reflected by the object to be measured, it is coupled to the silicon photonic chip through the folding mirror and the receiving optical lens. After the light beam is reflected by the target, the delay time of the short-range echo light signal and the long-range echo light signal is different due to the different distances to the target to be measured. When the scanning mirror continues to rotate, a delay angle related to the target distance is generated. Delay angle The distance L to the target to be measured, the speed of light c, and the angular velocity v of the mirror have the following relationship:

[0135] Due to the existence of the delay angle, the transmission paths of the short-distance echo light signal and the long-distance echo light signal are no longer consistent before and after passing through the scanning device, and are offset relative to the receiving waveguide position, which produces a walk-off effect. This makes it difficult for the echo light signal to be coupled to the silicon photonic chip through the waveguide, thereby causing the echo light signal to be lost.

[0136] In view of this, the present application provides an optical waveguide component and related devices, relating to the field of laser radar technology, which can realize the transmission of the input long-distance echo light signal to the output port according to the configured transmittance, so that the echo light signal corresponding to the long-distance target has a smaller loss, while the echo light signal corresponding to the close-range target has a larger loss. In this way, no matter how the position of the echo light signal corresponding to the long-distance target moves away, an echo light signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and achieving relative balance between the received echo light signals corresponding to the long-distance target and the echo light signals corresponding to the close-range target, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0137] The optical waveguide assembly and related devices provided by the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0138] Please refer to FIG3 , which is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0139] As shown in FIG3 , the optical waveguide assembly includes:

[0140] M first coupling units and a first optical signal processing component.

[0141] The first optical signal processing component has M first ports (such as ports 1, 2, ..., m, ..., M in Figure 3) and N second ports (such as ports 1, 2, ..., n, ..., N in Figure 3), where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and N is less than or equal to M.

[0142] The M first coupling units are respectively connected to the M first ports of the first optical signal processing component in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0143] The first optical signal processing component includes at least M-2 first phase control units and at least two power distribution units.

[0144] The first phase-controlled unit is arranged between the first coupling unit and the power distribution unit, or the first phase-controlled unit is arranged between any two power distribution units among the at least two power distribution units.

[0145] It can be understood that the above-mentioned at least M-2 first phase-controlled units are all arranged between the first coupling unit and the power distribution unit, or, the above-mentioned at least M-2 first phase-controlled units are all arranged between any two power distribution units among the above-mentioned at least two power distribution units, or, some of the above-mentioned at least M-2 first phase-controlled units are arranged between the first coupling unit and the power distribution unit, and the other part of the first phase-controlled units are arranged between any two power distribution units among the above-mentioned at least two power distribution units. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0146] Optionally, the M first coupling units and the first optical signal processing component may be high-density integrated chip components, which can reduce the overall system volume of the optical waveguide component.

[0147] The M first coupling units are used to couple optical signals in the spatial light field to the first optical signal processing component, or alternatively, to couple optical signals output by the first optical signal processing component to the spatial light field. Therefore, the optical waveguide component in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to both signal receiving and signal transmitting scenarios, and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitations thereto.

[0148] The first optical signal processing component has M first ports and N second ports. Through the internal structure of the optical waveguide component, M signal inputs and N signal outputs can be realized, or N signal inputs and M signal outputs can be realized.

[0149] It can be understood that when the optical waveguide component in the embodiment of the present application is applied to a signal receiving scenario, the M first ports are signal input ports and the N second ports are signal output ports; when the optical waveguide component in the embodiment of the present application is applied to a signal sending scenario, the N second ports are signal input ports and the M first ports are signal output ports.

[0150] The first optical signal processing component can transmit the input optical signal to the output port at any configured transmittance through at least two internal power distribution units. For example, the optical signal input from the M first ports can be transmitted to any one or more of the N second ports at any configured transmittance, or the optical signal input from any one or more of the N second ports can be transmitted to the M first ports at any configured transmittance.

[0151] It can be understood that when there is only one first port and one second port with signal input or output, the transmittance of the configuration is one value; when there are M first ports and N second ports with signal input or output, the transmittance of the configuration includes M×N values.

[0152] It can be understood that transmission according to any configured transmittance can be understood as configuring the required transmittance in advance according to any application scenario, or it can be understood as adjusting the configured transmittance in real time according to changes in the requirements of the application scenario during transmission. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0153] The at least M-2 first phase-controlled units in the first optical signal processing component are used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal so that after the nth second port satisfies the phase matching condition, the energy of the output optical signal can be expressed as T=P1×S1n+P2×S2n+…+Pm×Smn, where S1n, S2n, …, and Smn respectively represent the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the first first port to the mth first port and output from the nth second port, and P1, P2, …, and Pm respectively represent the power of the optical signal input from the first first port to the mth first port. It can be seen that through the cooperation of the at least M-2 first phase-controlled units and the at least two power distribution units, the energy of the optical signal output from the nth second port can be relatively balanced regardless of which first port the optical signal input is from, that is, P1×S1n, P2×S2n, …, and Pm×Smn are relatively balanced, thereby ensuring that an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output regardless of how the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target changes.

[0154] Optionally, the first phase-controlled unit may be disposed between the first coupling unit and the power distribution unit, or may be disposed between any two power distribution units among the at least two power distribution units, which is not limited in the present application.

[0155] Optionally, the first phase-controlled unit is provided between the first coupling unit and the power distribution unit, and specifically may be: the at least M-2 first phase-controlled units are cascade-connected with M first coupling units.

[0156] Optionally, when the number of first phase-controlled units is M, the M first phase-controlled units are connected to the M first coupling units in a one-to-one correspondence. For example, as shown in FIG4A , assuming there are four first coupling units and four first phase-controlled units, the four first phase-controlled units are connected to the four first coupling units in a one-to-one correspondence, and the four first phase-controlled units are further connected to at least two power distribution units.

[0157] Optionally, when the number of first phase-controlled units is less than M, the at least M-2 first phase-controlled units are each connected to a first coupling unit, and the other first coupling units not connected to the first phase-controlled units are directly connected to the power distribution unit. For example, as shown in FIG4B , assuming there are four first coupling units and two first phase-controlled units, the two first phase-controlled units are connected to the two first coupling units in a one-to-one correspondence, respectively, and the other two first coupling units not connected to the first phase-controlled units are directly connected to the power distribution unit.

[0158] Optionally, when the number of first phase-controlled units exceeds M, the M first coupling units are connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the M first phase-controlled units, and the redundant first phase-controlled units are connected to some of the first coupling units. For example, as shown in FIG4C , assuming there are four first coupling units and six first phase-controlled units, the four first coupling units are connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the four first phase-controlled units, and the two redundant first phase-controlled units are respectively disposed between the two first coupling units and the power distribution unit, i.e., the two first coupling units are connected to multiple first phase-controlled units.

[0159] The first phase-controlled unit provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal so as to meet the phase matching condition, thereby ensuring that coherent superposition is performed according to the preset transmittance when the echo signal is received, thereby reducing energy loss.

[0160] Currently, after the outgoing beam from the LiDAR transmitter reflects off the target, the delay times of the short-range and long-range return signals differ due to the different distances to the target. As the scanning mirror continuously rotates, a delay angle related to the target distance is introduced. This delay angle causes the short-range and long-range return signals to travel in different paths before and after passing through the scanning device, offsetting their positions relative to the receiving waveguide. This is known as a walk-off effect, making it difficult for the return signal to couple through the waveguide to the silicon photonics chip, leading to return signal loss.

[0161] In the embodiment of the present application, the long-distance echo optical signal can be received by M first coupling units and transmitted to the first optical signal processing component. The first phase control unit in the first optical signal processing component performs phase adjustment on the long-distance echo optical signal, and the power distribution unit in the first optical signal processing component transmits the input long-distance echo optical signal to the output port according to the configured transmittance. This can make the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target have a smaller loss, while the echo optical signal corresponding to the close-range target has a larger loss. In this way, no matter how the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target moves away, an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and achieving relative balance between the received echo optical signals corresponding to the long-distance target and the echo optical signals corresponding to the close-range target, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0162] In a possible embodiment, when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component, the M first ports are used to receive optical signals, and the first optical signal processing component processes the optical signals received by the M first ports, and the corresponding transmittance increases along the first direction.

[0163] It can be understood that when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component, the M first ports are used to receive optical signals, and the nth port among the N second ports is used to output the optical signal processed by the first optical signal processing component.

[0164] After the first optical signal processing component processes the optical signals received by the M first ports, the corresponding transmittance increases along the first direction. Optionally, the first direction may be the direction in which the optical signals go away.

[0165] Please refer to FIG. 4D for details, which is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an optical waveguide component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0166] As shown in Figure 4D, it can be understood that after the outgoing light beam from the laser radar transmitter is reflected by the target, the delay time of the short-range echo light signal and the long-range echo light signal are different due to the different distances to the target to be measured. When the scanning mirror continues to rotate, a delay angle related to the target distance will be generated. Due to the existence of the delay angle, the transmission paths of the short-range echo light signal and the long-range echo light signal before and after passing through the scanning device are no longer consistent, and an offset occurs relative to the receiving waveguide position, resulting in a walk-off effect. The solid line in Figure 4D represents the transmission path of the short-range echo light signal, and the dotted line in Figure 4D represents the transmission path of the long-range echo light signal. The x direction in Figure 4D is the walk-off direction of the echo light signal. Along the walk-off direction of the echo light signal, the long-range echo light signal is difficult to couple to the silicon photonic chip through the waveguide, which leads to the loss of part of the long-range echo light signal.

[0167] In the embodiment of the present application, the long-distance echo optical signal that has walked away can be received by M first coupling units and transmitted to the first optical signal processing component. The power distribution unit in the first optical signal processing component transmits the input long-distance echo optical signal to the output port according to the configured transmittance. Moreover, after the first optical signal processing component processes the optical signals received by the M first ports, the corresponding transmittance increases along the first direction (i.e., the x-direction).

[0168] For example, the increase in the transmittance along the first direction can be expressed as S1n≤S2n≤…≤Smn.

[0169] Among them, 1, 2, ..., m are the port numbers corresponding to the M first ports arranged in sequence from receiving the long-distance echo optical signal to receiving the short-distance echo optical signal (i.e., the opposite direction of the departure direction of the echo optical signal), m is a positive integer less than or equal to M, n is the port number of one of the N second ports, n is a positive integer less than or equal to N, and Smn represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal received by the mth first port and output from the nth second port after processing.

[0170] It can be understood that by receiving, processing and outputting optical signals according to the transmittance in the embodiments of the present application, the loss of the echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target can be reduced, while the loss of the echo optical signal corresponding to the close target can be increased. As a result, no matter how the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target moves away, an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output, and the received echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target and the echo optical signal corresponding to the close target can be relatively balanced, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0171] For example, assuming the transmitting unit is located below the center of the Mth coupling unit, when the LiDAR receiving light spot has not walked off, the receiving light spot is located at the same position as the transmitting light spot, below the center of the Mth coupling unit (the distance from the Mth coupling unit is d), and only a small portion of the return light can pass through the Mth coupling unit and enter the receiving component. When walk-off occurs, the receiving component can receive the return light signal at any position between the transmitting unit and the Mth coupling unit.

[0172] If the echo light signal spot is focused at the center of the Mth coupling unit, and the echo light spot signal power is P, then the optical power output by the optical waveguide receiving component is P×S M1 If the echo light signal spot is focused at the center of the M-1 coupling unit, the optical power output by the optical waveguide receiving component is P×S (M-1)1 .

[0173] If the echo optical signal spot is focused at any position between the Mth coupling unit and the M-1th coupling unit, and the distance between the focused spot and the center position of the Mth coupling unit is dx1, and the distance between the focused spot and the center position of the M-1th coupling unit is dx2, then the optical signal power output by the optical waveguide component is approximately:

[0174] It is understandable that when the echo light signal spot is focused at other positions, similar effects as described above are also achieved.

[0175] Optionally, the distance between the transmitting unit and the Mth coupling unit is approximately greater than 0.2d and less than 2d.

[0176] Optionally, the transmitting unit has the same structure as the above-mentioned coupling unit, and the waveguide width at the incident end is approximately greater than 200nm and less than 800nm. The above-mentioned coupling unit gradually increases along the propagation direction of the received signal, and its increasing trend can be a linear change with the propagation direction, or a nonlinear change, for example, it can be a quadratic curve change, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0177] Optionally, when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component, the sum s1 of M corresponding transmittances after the first optical signal processing component processes the optical signals received by the M first ports satisfies the following condition: 0.9≤s1≤1.

[0178] It can be understood that when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal receiving component, the M first ports are used to receive optical signals, and the nth second port among the N second ports is used to output the optical signal processed by the first optical signal processing component.

[0179] The sum s1 of the M transmittances corresponding to the processing by the first optical signal processing component of the optical signals received by the M first ports is within the interval [0.9, 1].

[0180] For example, the increase of the M transmittances along the away direction of the optical signal can be expressed as S1n≤S2n≤...≤Smn.

[0181] Among them, 1, 2, ..., m are the port numbers corresponding to the M first ports arranged in sequence from receiving the long-distance echo optical signal to receiving the short-distance echo optical signal (i.e., the opposite direction of the departure direction of the echo optical signal), m is a positive integer less than or equal to M, n is the port number of one of the N second ports, n is a positive integer less than or equal to N, Smn represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal received by the mth first port and output from the nth second port after processing, then s1 = S1n + S2n + ... + Smn is in the interval [0.9, 1], that is,

[0182] In a possible embodiment, when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal sending component, the M first ports are used to send optical signals, and after being processed by the first optical signal processing component, the transmittance corresponding to the optical signals sent by the M first ports increases along the second direction.

[0183] It can be understood that when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal sending component, the nth second port among the N second ports is used to receive optical signals, and the M first ports are used to output optical signals processed by the first optical signal processing component.

[0184] The transmittance corresponding to the optical signals transmitted by the M first ports after being processed by the first optical signal processing component increases along the second direction. Optionally, the second direction may be a direction in which the optical signals go away.

[0185] Please refer to FIG. 4D for details, which is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an optical waveguide component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0186] As shown in Figure 4D, it can be understood that the transmission paths of the short-range outgoing light signal and the long-range outgoing light signal at the laser radar transmitting end are inconsistent before and after passing through the scanning device, and the offset relative to the output waveguide position produces a walk-off effect. The solid line in Figure 4D represents the transmission path of the short-range outgoing light signal, and the dotted line in Figure 4D represents the transmission path of the long-range outgoing light signal. The x direction in Figure 4D is the walk-off direction of the outgoing light signal. Along the walk-off direction of the outgoing light signal, the long-range outgoing light signal is difficult to couple to the target through the waveguide, which leads to inaccurate detection of some long-range targets.

[0187] In the embodiment of the present application, the long-distance outgoing optical signal that has walked away can be processed by the first optical signal processing component and then transmitted to M first coupling units for transmission. The power distribution unit in the first optical signal processing component transmits the input long-distance outgoing optical signal to the output port according to the configured transmittance, and the transmittance corresponding to the optical signals sent by the M first ports after being processed by the first optical signal processing component increases along the second direction (i.e., the x direction).

[0188] For example, the increase in the transmittance along the second direction can be expressed as Sn1≤Sn2≤…≤Snm.

[0189] Among them, n is the port number of one of the N second ports that receives the optical signal, n is a positive integer less than or equal to N, 1, 2, ..., m are the corresponding port numbers of the M first ports arranged in sequence from sending long-distance optical signals to sending short-distance optical signals, m is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and Snm represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal received by the nth second port and output from the mth first port after processing.

[0190] It can be understood that by receiving, processing, and outputting optical signals according to the transmittance in the embodiments of the present application, the loss of the return optical signal corresponding to a distant target can be reduced, while the loss of the return optical signal corresponding to a close target can be increased. This ensures that, regardless of the distance of the return optical signal corresponding to the distant target, a return optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output. Furthermore, the received return optical signals corresponding to distant targets and the return optical signals corresponding to close targets can be relatively balanced, thereby enabling simultaneous reception of close-range and distant return signals at a single output end, reducing the dynamic range requirements of the trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) circuit required in the subsequent stage. Compared to the method of using multiple waveguides to receive the stray light spots separately, the embodiments of the present application can reduce the number of components required in the receiving system.

[0191] Optionally, when the above-mentioned optical waveguide component is an optical signal sending component, the sum s2 of M transmittances corresponding to the optical signals sent by the M first ports after being processed by the first optical signal processing component meets the following condition: 0.9≤s2≤1.

[0192] It can be understood that when the optical waveguide component is an optical signal sending component, the nth second port among the N second ports is used to receive optical signals, and the M first ports are used to output optical signals processed by the first optical signal processing component.

[0193] The sum s2 of the M transmittances corresponding to the optical signals transmitted by the M first ports after being processed by the first optical signal processing component is within the interval [0.9, 1].

[0194] For example, the increase of the M transmittances along the walk-off direction of the optical signal can be expressed as Sn1≤Sn2≤...≤Snm.

[0195] Where n is the port number of one of the N second ports that receives the optical signal, n is a positive integer less than or equal to N, 1, 2, ..., m are the port numbers corresponding to the M first ports arranged in order from sending long-distance optical signals to sending short-distance optical signals, m is a positive integer less than or equal to M, Snm represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal received by the nth second port and output from the mth first port after processing, then s2 = Sn1 + Sn2 + ... + Snm is in the interval [0.9, 1], that is,

[0196] In a possible embodiment, the above components are connected via waveguides.

[0197] Optionally, the above-mentioned components and waveguide channels are composed of a cladding, at least one core layer, and a substrate.

[0198] For details, please refer to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B , which are schematic cross-sectional views of an optical waveguide provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0199] As shown in FIG5A , the above-mentioned components and waveguide channels are composed of a cladding layer, a core layer, and a substrate.

[0200] As shown in FIG5B , the above components and waveguide channels are composed of a cladding layer, two core layers (core layer 1 and core layer 2), and a substrate.

[0201] Optionally, the core material can be silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, polysilicon, lithium niobate, etc., and the cladding and substrate materials can be silicon dioxide, silicon oxynitride, polymer, silicon, etc. Optionally, the refractive index of the core material should be greater than the refractive index of the cladding material to ensure that the optical signal is transmitted in the core layer.

[0202] In a possible embodiment, the optical waveguide assembly further includes:

[0203] Monitoring unit.

[0204] The monitoring unit is used to monitor the power of the optical signal in the first optical path from the spatial light field.

[0205] It is understood that this monitoring unit is suitable for signal reception scenarios and facilitates the assembly and adjustment of radar systems using optical waveguide components. During the assembly of optical components, the optical signal needs to be coupled into the receiving component under static conditions (without a scanner). By providing a monitoring unit, the static light spot position can be quickly aligned with the coupling unit. Therefore, the monitoring unit can monitor the working status of the receiving component under static conditions and can be used for self-testing of the lidar system.

[0206] Optionally, the monitoring unit may be a planar mounted photodetector, a photodetector integrated in a chip, or connected to an external photodetector via an optical fiber, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0207] Optionally, the monitoring unit is set at a different position, and the corresponding first optical path monitored is also different. The following possible situations are described:

[0208] Case 1:

[0209] The monitoring unit is connected to the first output port of the first optical signal processing component.

[0210] Correspondingly, the first optical path is an optical path in which the short-range echo optical signal from the spatial light field sequentially passes through the first coupling unit and the first optical signal processing component and is output from the first output port of the first optical signal processing component.

[0211] In this case, the first optical path monitored by the monitoring unit is an optical path in which the short-range echo optical signal from the spatial light field passes through the first coupling unit and the first optical signal processing component in sequence and is output from the first output port of the first optical signal processing component.

[0212] Optionally, the first output port may be a port with input / output (I / O) function.

[0213] Through the embodiment of the present application, one of the N second ports of the first optical signal processing component can be used as a first output port for connecting to a monitoring unit to implement the assembly and adjustment of the radar system in which the optical waveguide component is used.

[0214] Case 2:

[0215] The monitoring unit is connected to the second output port.

[0216] Correspondingly, the first optical path is an optical path in which the short-range echo optical signal from the spatial light field passes through the first coupling unit and is output from the second output port.

[0217] In the second case, the first optical path monitored by the monitoring unit is an optical path in which the short-range echo optical signal from the spatial light field passes through the first coupling unit and is output from the second output port.

[0218] Optionally, the second output port may be a port with input / output (I / O) function.

[0219] Through the embodiments of the present application, the N second ports of the first optical signal processing component may not be occupied. Instead, a single optical signal coupled through a first coupling unit may be used as a second output port for connection to a monitoring unit, thereby enabling the installation and adjustment of the radar system in which the optical waveguide component is used.

[0220] In a possible embodiment, the number x of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units in the first optical signal processing component in the optical waveguide component satisfies the following condition: p≤x≤q.

[0221] Wherein, x is an integer greater than 1, q is an integer greater than 1 and satisfies the following conditions: q=M-1, p is an integer greater than 1 and satisfies the following conditions: 2 p-1 <M≤2 p .

[0222] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=3 first ports, p=2, q=2, then: the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=2.

[0223] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports, p=2, q=3, then: the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=2 or 3.

[0224] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=5 first ports, p=3, q=4, then: the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=3 or 4.

[0225] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=6 first ports, p=3, q=5, then: the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=3 or 4 or 5.

[0226] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=7 first ports, p=3, q=6, then: the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=3 or 4 or 5 or 6.

[0227] Optionally, when the first optical signal processing component has M=8 first ports, p=3, q=7, then: the number of layers formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units is x=3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7.

[0228] And so on, I will not go into details here.

[0229] Exemplarily, as shown in the following Figure 6, when the first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports, p=2, q=3, then: the first 2×2 directional coupler forms a first level, the first 1×2 multimode interferometer forms a second level, and the second 1×2 multimode interferometer forms a third level, that is, the number of layers x=3 formed by the cascade connection of at least two power distribution units.

[0230] Exemplarily, as shown in the following Figure 8, when the first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports, p=2, q=3, then: the first 2×2 directional coupler forms a first level, the second 2×2 directional coupler forms a second level, and the first 1×2 multimode interferometer forms a third level, that is, the number of layers x=3 formed by the cascade connection of at least two power distribution units.

[0231] Exemplarily, as shown in the following Figure 9, when the first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports, p=2, q=3, then: the first 2×2 directional coupler forms a first level, the second 2×2 directional coupler forms a second level, and the third 2×2 directional coupler forms a third level, that is, the number of layers x=3 formed by at least two power distribution units being cascaded.

[0232] Exemplarily, as shown in the following Figure 10, when the first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports, p=2, q=3, then: the first 2×2 directional coupler and the second 2×2 directional coupler form a first level, and the third 2×2 directional coupler forms a second level, that is, the number of layers x=2 formed by at least two power distribution units being cascaded.

[0233] Exemplarily, as shown in the following Figure 11, when the first optical signal processing component has M=5 first ports, p=3, q=4, then: the first 2×2 directional coupler forms a first level, the first 1×2 multimode interferometer forms a second level, the second 1×2 multimode interferometer forms a third level, and the third 1×2 multimode interferometer forms a fourth level, that is, the number of layers x=4 formed by the cascade connection of at least two power distribution units.

[0234] Through the embodiments of the present application, the number of layers x formed by cascading the at least two power distribution units in the first optical signal processing component in the optical waveguide component satisfies p≤x≤q, which can realize the transmission of the input optical signal to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solve the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and reduce the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0235] In a possible embodiment, the power distribution unit includes at least one of the following:

[0236] Directional couplers, multimode interferometers, star couplers, adjustable ratio couplers, and Y-beam splitters.

[0237] It should be understood that the several power distribution units listed in the embodiments of the present application are only possible illustrative descriptions and should not be used to limit the embodiments of the present application. New possible power distribution units obtained based on reasonable deformation, supplementation or combination of the power distribution units in the embodiments of the present application all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0238] The components that may be included in the power distribution unit will be described below with reference to specific examples.

[0239] Example 1:

[0240] The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a second 1×2 multimode interferometer.

[0241] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the first 1×2 multimode interferometer and the second 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

[0242] Please refer to FIG. 6 for details, which is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0243] As shown in FIG6 , the optical waveguide component includes four coupling units (coupling unit 1 , coupling unit 2 , coupling unit 3 , coupling unit 4 ) and a first optical signal processing component.

[0244] The four coupling units are arranged along the x-direction (the direction in which the optical signal leaves).

[0245] Optionally, the interval between two adjacent coupling units is about 4-8 μm.

[0246] Optionally, the mode field size of the input ends of the four coupling units is approximately 4-8 um.

[0247] Optionally, the cross-sectional widths of the four coupling units gradually increase along the propagation direction of the optical signal to a size for stable transmission of the single-mode optical signal, and may be in a conical structure, an inverted conical structure, or other structural forms.

[0248] The first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports and N=2 second ports.

[0249] Among them, the first optical signal processing component includes four first phase-controlled units (phase-controlled unit 1, phase-controlled unit 2, phase-controlled unit 3, phase-controlled unit 4) and at least two power distribution units (a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a second 1×2 multimode interferometer).

[0250] The input end of the coupling unit is used to receive the optical signal in free space, and the output end is connected to the input end of the phase control unit through a waveguide. The phase control unit is used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal.

[0251] Optionally, the phase-controlled unit may be a passive waveguide phase compensator with varying width, or a thermo-optical phase shifter, an electro-optical phase shifter, a phase change material phase shifter, or the like, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0252] Optionally, the number of phase-controlled units is at least M-2. In the embodiment of the present application, M=4, so the number of phase-controlled units can be 2, 3, or 4. The number of phase-controlled units shown in Figure 6 is 4, but this should not constitute a limitation on the embodiment of the present application.

[0253] Optionally, the phase-controlled unit can be manufactured in the core layer 1 as shown in FIG5B , or in other core layers, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0254] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to a coupling unit or a phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the first 1×2 multimode interferometer and the second 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence, and the output port of the second 1×2 multimode interferometer is used to output an optical signal.

[0255] Optionally, the 2×2 directional coupler (such as the first 2×2 directional coupler) may be composed of two parallel waveguides, and the input optical signal may be transmitted to the output port according to the configured transmittance by setting a coupling ratio.

[0256] Please refer to FIG. 7 for details, which is a schematic structural diagram of a directional coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0257] As shown in FIG7 , the 2×2 directional coupler includes two input ports and two output ports, which are connected by two parallel waveguides. One of the two output ports serves as a signal cross port, and the other serves as a signal through port.

[0258] Optionally, the coupling ratio of the 2×2 directional coupler can be 0.4. In this case, when input through either end of the 2×2 directional coupler, the ratio of the optical signal power at the intersection to the optical signal power at the through port is 0.4. When the input optical signal power is P, the optical signal power output from the intersection is 0.4P, and the optical signal power output from the through port is 0.6P.

[0259] In the optical waveguide assembly shown in FIG6 , along the optical signal propagation direction (i.e., the y-direction), the 1×2 multimode interferometer (e.g., the first 1×2 multimode interferometer and the second 1×2 multimode interferometer) includes two input ports and one output port.

[0260] Optionally, the transmittance from any input port to the output port may be 0.5. For example, after an optical signal with a power of P is input through any port of the 1×2 multimode interferometer, the output power is 0.5P.

[0261] At this time, in the above-mentioned first optical signal processing component, the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted to the output port of the second 1×2 multimode interferometer through the phase-control unit 1 is S11≤0.5, the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted to the output port of the second 1×2 multimode interferometer through the phase-control unit 2 is S21≤0.25 (i.e., 0.5×0.5=0.25), the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted to the output port of the second 1×2 multimode interferometer through the phase-control unit 3 is S31≤0.15 (i.e., 0.6×0.5×0.5=0.15), and the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted to the output port of the second 1×2 multimode interferometer through the phase-control unit 4 is S41≤0.10 (i.e., 0.6×0.5×0.5=0.15).

[0262] Among them, the above S11 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the first input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, the above S21 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the second input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, the above S31 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the third input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, and the above S41 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the fourth input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port.

[0263] It is understandable that the receiving principle of the laser radar moving away spot in the embodiment of the present application is as follows:

[0264] The receiving module needs to be used in conjunction with the optical system and the mechanical system. The optical system and the two-dimensional rotating mirror can be placed in front of the receiving module. The optical system converges the received signal into a light spot. When the walk-off effect occurs, as the distance of the detected object increases, the offset of the light spot along the x-direction increases accordingly. When the light spot walks away, it can be received by at least one coupling unit and enters the first optical signal processing component. The phase control unit in the first optical signal processing component is used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal. The power distribution unit in the first optical signal processing component is used to transmit the input optical signal to the output port according to the configured transmittance, which makes the echo optical signal corresponding to the distant target object have a small loss, while the optical signal corresponding to the close target object has a strong loss. Regardless of how the light spot position changes (walks away), an output optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application can realize the reception of the light spot that walks away from the detection range, while reducing the number of required electrical components.

[0265] Optionally, the optical waveguide assembly shown in FIG6 further includes a monitoring unit.

[0266] The monitoring unit is used to monitor the optical signal power of the second output port of the first optical signal processing component.

[0267] Optionally, the monitoring unit may be a planar mounted photodetector, a photodetector integrated in a chip, or connected to an external photodetector via an optical fiber, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0268] It is understandable that the monitoring unit in the embodiment of the present application has the following beneficial effects when performing optical alignment:

[0269] The prerequisite for receiving the walk-off light spot is to ensure that the walk-off direction is parallel to the x-direction and that the z-direction position remains unchanged. Therefore, during the alignment process, the light spot must first ensure that it meets these walk-off conditions. In actual alignment, for short-range echo optical signals, coupling unit 4 has the highest coupling efficiency and the highest efficiency of the output optical signal. Therefore, the monitoring unit achieves the highest accuracy in monitoring the optical signal that passes through coupling unit 4, phase control unit 4, and the through-port of the first 2×2 directional coupler. In this case, the walk-off direction is parallel to the x-direction, and the z-direction remains unchanged.

[0270] It should be understood that the at least two power distribution units in the optical waveguide assembly shown in this exemplary embodiment, including the first 2×2 directional coupler, the first 1×2 multimode interferometer, and the second 1×2 multimode interferometer, can have other possible connection relationships in addition to the connection relationship shown in Figure 6 above. Figure 6 is only used as a possible exemplary illustration and should not be used to limit the embodiments of the present application. New embodiments obtained based on reasonable variations or supplements to the connection relationship shown in Figure 6 fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0271] Example 2:

[0272] The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a first 1×2 multimode interferometer.

[0273] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the second 2×2 directional coupler and the first 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

[0274] Please refer to FIG8 for details, which is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0275] As shown in FIG8 , the optical waveguide component includes four coupling units (coupling unit 1 , coupling unit 2 , coupling unit 3 , coupling unit 4 ) and a first optical signal processing component.

[0276] The four coupling units may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] The first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports and N=3 second ports.

[0278] Among them, the first optical signal processing component includes four first phase-controlled units (phase-controlled unit 1, phase-controlled unit 2, phase-controlled unit 3, phase-controlled unit 4) and at least two power distribution units (a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a first 1×2 multimode interferometer).

[0279] The input end of the coupling unit is used to receive the optical signal in free space, and the output end is connected to the input end of the phase control unit through a waveguide. The phase control unit is used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal.

[0280] The phase-controlled unit may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0281] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to a coupling unit or a phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the second 2×2 directional coupler and the first 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence, and the output port of the first 1×2 multimode interferometer is used to output an optical signal.

[0282] The details of the directional couplers (the first 2×2 directional coupler and the second 2×2 directional coupler) can be found in the description of the directional coupler shown in FIG7 , which will not be described again here.

[0283] The 1×2 multi-mode interferometer can be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0284] By comparing the optical waveguide component shown in the above-mentioned Example 1 and the optical waveguide component in this Example 2, it can be seen that the difference between the two is that the 1×2 multimode interferometer is replaced by a 2×2 directional coupler, and the first optical signal processing component of the 4×2 port is changed to the first optical signal processing component of the 4×3 port.

[0285] Optionally, the coupling ratio of the first 2×2 directional coupler may be 0.6≥η1≥0.4, and the coupling ratio of the second directional coupler may be 0.6≥η2≥0.4.

[0286] Optionally, the transmittance from any input port to the output port in the first 1×2 multimode interferometer may be 0.5. For example, after an optical signal with power P is input through any port of the first 1×2 multimode interferometer, the output power is 0.5P.

[0287] At this time, in the above-mentioned first optical signal processing component, the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted to the output port of the first 1×2 multimode interferometer through the phase-control unit 1 is S11≤0.5, the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted to the output port of the first 1×2 multimode interferometer through the phase-control unit 2 is 0.2≤S21≤0.3 (i.e., 0.4×0.5=0.2, 0.6×0.5=0.3), the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted to the output port of the first 1×2 multimode interferometer through the phase-control unit 3 is 0.08≤S31≤0.18 (i.e., 0.4×0.4×0.5=0.08, 0.6×0.6×0.5=0.18), and the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted to the output port of the first 1×2 multimode interferometer through the phase-control unit 4 is 0.08≤S41≤0.18 (i.e., 0.4×0.4×0.5=0.08, 0.6×0.6×0.5=0.18).

[0288] Among them, the above S11 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the first input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, the above S21 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the second input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, the above S31 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the third input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, and the above S41 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the fourth input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port.

[0289] Optionally, the optical waveguide assembly shown in FIG8 further includes a monitoring unit.

[0290] The monitoring unit can be connected to the third output port of the first optical signal processing component to monitor the optical signal power of the third output port of the first optical signal processing component, or can be connected to the second output port of the first optical signal processing component to monitor the optical signal power of the second output port of the first optical signal processing component. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0291] Optionally, there may be multiple monitoring units. For example, the output end 2 of the first optical signal processing component in FIG8 may output an optical signal and may also be connected to a monitoring unit. This embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0292] It should be understood that the at least two power distribution units in the optical waveguide assembly shown in Example 2, including the first 2×2 directional coupler, the second 2×2 directional coupler, and the first 1×2 multimode interferometer, can have other possible connection relationships in addition to the connection relationship shown in Figure 8 above. Figure 8 is only used as a possible exemplary illustration and should not be used to limit the embodiments of this application. New embodiments obtained based on reasonable variations or supplements to the connection relationship shown in Figure 8 all fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0293] Through the optical waveguide component in this exemplary embodiment 2, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0294] Example 3:

[0295] The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a third 2×2 directional coupler.

[0296] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the second 2×2 directional coupler and the third 2×2 directional coupler in sequence.

[0297] Alternatively, one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, one side port of the second 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler and the other side port of the second 2×2 directional coupler are respectively connected in cascade to the third 2×2 directional coupler.

[0298] For details, please refer to Figures 9 and 10, which are schematic structural diagrams of two optical waveguide components provided in embodiments of the present application.

[0299] As shown in FIG9 and FIG10 , the optical waveguide component includes four coupling units (coupling unit 1 , coupling unit 2 , coupling unit 3 , coupling unit 4 ) and a first optical signal processing component.

[0300] The four coupling units may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0301] The first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports and N=4 second ports.

[0302] Among them, the first optical signal processing component includes four first phase-controlled units (phase-controlled unit 1, phase-controlled unit 2, phase-controlled unit 3, phase-controlled unit 4) and at least two power distribution units (a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a third 2×2 directional coupler).

[0303] The input end of the coupling unit is used to receive the optical signal in free space, and the output end is connected to the input end of the phase control unit through a waveguide. The phase control unit is used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal.

[0304] The phase-controlled unit may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0305] In FIG9 , one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the second 2×2 directional coupler and the third 2×2 directional coupler in sequence. The output port of the third 2×2 directional coupler is used to output an optical signal.

[0306] In FIG10 , one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, one side port of the second 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler and the other side port of the second 2×2 directional coupler are respectively connected in cascade to the third 2×2 directional coupler, and the output port of the third 2×2 directional coupler is used to output an optical signal.

[0307] For details of the above directional couplers (the first 2×2 directional coupler, the second 2×2 directional coupler, and the third 2×2 directional coupler), please refer to the description of the directional coupler shown in FIG. 7 , which will not be described again here.

[0308] By comparing the optical waveguide component shown in the above-mentioned Example 1 and the optical waveguide component in this Example 3, it can be seen that the difference between the two is that all 1×2 multimode interferometers are replaced by 2×2 directional couplers, and the first optical signal processing component of the 4×2 port is changed to the first optical signal processing component of the 4×4 port.

[0309] Optionally, the coupling ratio of the first 2×2 directional coupler may be 0.6≥η1≥0.4, the coupling ratio of the second directional coupler may be 0.6≥η2≥0.4, and the coupling ratio of the third directional coupler may be 0.6≥η2≥0.4.

[0310] At this time, taking the optical waveguide component in FIG9 as an example, in the above-mentioned first optical signal processing component, the optical signal is transmitted through the phase control unit 1 to the output port of the third 2×2 directional coupler, and the corresponding transmittance is 0.4≤S11≤0.6. The optical signal is transmitted through the phase control unit 2 to the output port of the third 2×2 directional coupler, and the corresponding transmittance is 0.16≤S21≤0.36 (i.e., 0.4×0.4=0.16, 0.6×0.6=0.36). The optical signal is transmitted through the phase control unit 3. The transmittance corresponding to the output port of the third 2×2 directional coupler is 0.064≤S31≤0.216 (i.e., 0.4×0.4×0.4=0.064, 0.6×0.6×0.6=0.216). The transmittance corresponding to the output port of the third 2×2 directional coupler transmitted through the phase control unit 4 is 0.064≤S41≤0.216 (i.e., 0.4×0.4×0.4=0.064, 0.6×0.6×0.6=0.216).

[0311] Among them, the above S11 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the first input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, the above S21 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the second input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, the above S31 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the third input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, and the above S41 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the fourth input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port.

[0312] Optionally, the optical waveguide assembly in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 further includes a monitoring unit.

[0313] The monitoring unit can be connected to the third output port of the first optical signal processing component to monitor the optical signal power of the third output port of the first optical signal processing component, or can be connected to the fourth output port of the first optical signal processing component to monitor the optical signal power of the fourth output port of the first optical signal processing component. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0314] Optionally, there may be multiple monitoring units. For example, both the output port 3 and the output port 4 of the first optical signal processing component in FIG9 may be connected to a monitoring unit. This embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0315] It should be understood that the at least two power distribution units in the optical waveguide assembly shown in this exemplary embodiment 3 include a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a third 2×2 directional coupler. In addition to the connection relationship shown in Figures 9 and 10 above, other possible connection relationships can also be used. Figures 9 and 10 are only two possible exemplary illustrations and should not be used to limit the embodiments of this application. New embodiments obtained based on reasonable variations or supplements to the connection relationships shown in Figures 9 and 10 all fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0316] Through the optical waveguide component in this exemplary embodiment three, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0317] Example 4:

[0318] The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, a second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a third 1×2 multimode interferometer.

[0319] Among them, one side port of the above-mentioned first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the above-mentioned first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the above-mentioned first 1×2 multimode interferometer, the above-mentioned second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and the above-mentioned third 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

[0320] Please refer to FIG11 for details, which is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0321] As shown in FIG11 , the optical waveguide component includes five coupling units (coupling unit 1 , coupling unit 2 , coupling unit 3 , coupling unit 4 , coupling unit 5 ) and a first optical signal processing component.

[0322] The five coupling units may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] The first optical signal processing component has M=5 first ports and N=2 second ports.

[0324] Among them, the first optical signal processing component includes 5 first phase-controlled units (phase-controlled unit 1, phase-controlled unit 2, phase-controlled unit 3, phase-controlled unit 4, phase-controlled unit 5) and at least two power distribution units (a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, a second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a third 1×2 multimode interferometer).

[0325] The input end of the coupling unit is used to receive the optical signal in free space, and the output end is connected to the input end of the phase control unit through a waveguide. The phase control unit is used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal.

[0326] The phase-controlled unit may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0327] In FIG11 , one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the first 1×2 multimode interferometer, the second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and the third 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence, and the output port of the third 1×2 multimode interferometer is used to output an optical signal.

[0328] The details of the directional coupler (the first 2×2 directional coupler) can be found in the description of the directional coupler shown in FIG. 7 , which will not be described again here.

[0329] By comparing the optical waveguide component shown in the above exemplary embodiment 1 and the optical waveguide component in this exemplary embodiment 4, it can be seen that the difference between the two is that a 1×2 multimode interferometer is added, and the first optical signal processing component of the 4×2 port is changed to the first optical signal processing component of the 5×2 port.

[0330] Optionally, the receiving principle of the laser radar stray light spot in this exemplary embodiment 4 and the beneficial effects of the monitoring unit during optical adjustment can be specifically referred to the description in the above exemplary embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0331] It should be understood that the at least two power distribution units in the optical waveguide assembly shown in this exemplary embodiment 4 include a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, a second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a third 1×2 multimode interferometer. In addition to the connection relationship shown in Figure 11 above, other possible connection relationships can also be used. Figure 11 is only used as a possible exemplary illustration and should not be used to limit the embodiments of the present application. New embodiments obtained based on reasonable variations or supplements to the connection relationship shown in Figure 11 all fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0332] Through the optical waveguide component in this exemplary embodiment four, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0333] Example 5:

[0334] The at least two power distribution units include: a first adjustable ratio coupler, a second adjustable ratio coupler, and a third adjustable ratio coupler. The coupling ratios configured in the adjustable ratio couplers are arbitrary values.

[0335] One side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is cascade-connected to the second adjustable ratio coupler and the third adjustable ratio coupler in sequence.

[0336] Alternatively, one side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, one side port of the second adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler and the other side port of the second adjustable ratio coupler are respectively connected in cascade to the third adjustable ratio coupler.

[0337] For details, please refer to Figures 12 and 13, which are schematic structural diagrams of two optical waveguide components provided in embodiments of the present application.

[0338] As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , the optical waveguide component includes four coupling units (coupling unit 1 , coupling unit 2 , coupling unit 3 , coupling unit 4 ) and a first optical signal processing component.

[0339] The four coupling units may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] The first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports and N=4 second ports.

[0341] Among them, the first optical signal processing component includes four first phase-controlled units (phase-controlled unit 1, phase-controlled unit 2, phase-controlled unit 3, phase-controlled unit 4) and at least two power distribution units (first adjustable ratio coupler, second adjustable ratio coupler, third adjustable ratio coupler).

[0342] The input end of the coupling unit is used to receive the optical signal in free space, and the output end is connected to the input end of the phase control unit through a waveguide. The phase control unit is used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal.

[0343] The phase-controlled unit may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0344] In FIG12 , one side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is cascade-connected to the second adjustable ratio coupler and the third adjustable ratio coupler in sequence. The output port of the third adjustable ratio coupler is used to output an optical signal.

[0345] In FIG13 , one side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, one side port of the second adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, the other side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler and the other side port of the second adjustable ratio coupler are respectively connected in cascade to the third adjustable ratio coupler, and the output port of the third adjustable ratio coupler is used to output an optical signal.

[0346] Optionally, the above-mentioned adjustable ratio couplers (first adjustable ratio coupler, second adjustable ratio coupler, third adjustable ratio coupler) can be specifically referred to Figure 14, which is a structural schematic diagram of an adjustable ratio coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0347] As shown in FIG14 , the adjustable ratio coupler has two input ports and two output ports, and is composed of a 2×2 directional coupler, an adjustable phase control unit, and a 2×2 directional coupler connected in cascade sequence.

[0348] Optionally, the latter 2×2 directional coupler can also be replaced by a 2×2 multimode interferometer, or can also be replaced by a 2×1 multimode interferometer, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0349] For example, the adjustable ratio coupler includes at least one of the following:

[0350] Two 2×2 directional couplers and one adjustable phase-controlled unit, wherein the adjustable phase-controlled unit is arranged between the two 2×2 directional couplers.

[0351] Alternatively, a 2×2 directional coupler, an adjustable phase-controlled unit and a 2×2 multimode interferometer, wherein the adjustable phase-controlled unit is arranged between the 2×2 directional coupler and the 2×2 multimode interferometer.

[0352] Alternatively, a 2×2 directional coupler, an adjustable phase-controlled unit and a 2×1 multimode interferometer, wherein the adjustable phase-controlled unit is arranged between the 2×2 directional coupler and the 2×1 multimode interferometer.

[0353] It can be understood that the adjustable ratio coupler can include the above-mentioned multiple components and their corresponding connection relationships, so that the required transmittance can be configured in advance according to any application scenario, or the configured transmittance can be adjusted in real time during the transmission process according to the changes in the requirements of the application scenario, so as to realize the transmission of the input optical signal to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solve the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and reduce the number of components required for the optical waveguide assembly.

[0354] Comparing the optical waveguide assembly shown in the first exemplary embodiment and the optical waveguide assembly in the fifth exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that the difference between the two is that the first optical signal processing assembly of the 4×2 port is changed to the first optical signal processing assembly of the 4×4 port.

[0355] The port transmittances S11, S21, S31, and S41 can be adjusted by configuring the coupling ratio of the adjustable ratio coupler.

[0356] For example, by adjusting the adjustable ratio coupler, the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted through the phase-control unit 1 to the output port 1 of the third adjustable ratio coupler is S11≤0.65, the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted through the phase-control unit 2 to the output port 1 of the third adjustable ratio coupler is 0.2≤S21≤0.3, the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted through the phase-control unit 3 to the output port 1 of the third adjustable ratio coupler is 0.05≤S31≤0.20, and the transmittance of the optical signal transmitted through the phase-control unit 4 to the output port 1 of the third adjustable ratio coupler is 0.01≤S41≤0.20.

[0357] Among them, the above S11 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the first input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, the above S21 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the second input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, the above S31 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the third input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port, and the above S41 represents the transmittance corresponding to the optical signal input from the fourth input port of the first optical signal processing component and output from the first output port.

[0358] Optionally, the optical waveguide assembly in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 further includes a monitoring unit.

[0359] The beneficial effects of the monitoring unit during optical alignment can be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] It should be understood that the first adjustable ratio coupler, the second adjustable ratio coupler, and the third adjustable ratio coupler included in the at least two power distribution units in the optical waveguide assembly shown in this exemplary embodiment 5 can have other possible connection relationships in addition to the connection relationships shown in Figures 12 and 13 above. Figures 12 and 13 are merely two possible exemplary illustrations and should not be used to limit the embodiments of this application. New embodiments obtained based on reasonable variations or supplements to the connection relationships shown in Figures 12 and 13 fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0361] Through the optical waveguide component in this exemplary embodiment five, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0362] Example 6:

[0363] The at least two power distribution units include: at least one phase-controlled unit, a first multimode interferometer with M input ports and M output ports, and a second multimode interferometer with N input ports and N output ports.

[0364] Wherein, one side port of the first multimode interferometer is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first multimode interferometer is cascade-connected to the at least one phase-controlled unit and the second multimode interferometer in sequence.

[0365] Please refer to FIG15 for details, which is a schematic structural diagram of an optical waveguide component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0366] As shown in FIG15 , the optical waveguide component includes four coupling units (coupling unit 1 , coupling unit 2 , coupling unit 3 , coupling unit 4 ) and a first optical signal processing component.

[0367] The four coupling units may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0368] The first optical signal processing component has M=4 first ports and N=4 second ports.

[0369] Among them, the first optical signal processing component includes four first phase-controlled units (phase-controlled unit 1, phase-controlled unit 2, phase-controlled unit 3, phase-controlled unit 4) and at least two power distribution units (at least one phase-controlled unit, a first multimode interferometer with M input ports and M output ports, and a second multimode interferometer with N input ports and N output ports), among which at least one phase-controlled unit includes phase-controlled unit 5, phase-controlled unit 6, and phase-controlled unit 7.

[0370] The input end of the coupling unit is used to receive the optical signal in free space, and the output end is connected to the input end of the phase control unit through a waveguide. The phase control unit is used to adjust the phase of the transmitted optical signal.

[0371] The phase-controlled unit may be specifically described in the above exemplary embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0372] In Figure 15, one side port of the above-mentioned first multimode interferometer is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the above-mentioned first multimode interferometer is cascade-connected to the above-mentioned at least one phase-controlled unit (phase-controlled unit 5, phase-controlled unit 6, phase-controlled unit 7) and the above-mentioned second multimode interferometer in sequence, and the output port of the second multimode interferometer is used to output an optical signal.

[0373] Comparing the optical waveguide assembly shown in the first exemplary embodiment above with the optical waveguide assembly in the sixth exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that the difference between the two is that the first optical signal processing assembly of the 4×2 ports is changed to the first optical signal processing assembly of the 4×4 ports.

[0374] Optionally, the receiving principle of the laser radar stray light spot in this exemplary embodiment six and the beneficial effects of the monitoring unit during optical adjustment can be specifically referred to the description in the above exemplary embodiment one, which will not be repeated here.

[0375] It should be understood that the at least two power distribution units in the optical waveguide assembly shown in this exemplary embodiment 6 include at least one phase-controlled unit, a first multimode interferometer having M input ports and M output ports, and a second multimode interferometer having N input ports and N output ports. In addition to the connection relationship shown in Figure 15 above, other possible connection relationships can also be used. Figure 15 is only used as a possible exemplary illustration and should not be used to limit the embodiments of the present application. New embodiments obtained based on reasonable variations or supplements to the connection relationship shown in Figure 15 all fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0376] Through the optical waveguide component in this exemplary embodiment six, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0377] Example 7:

[0378] The at least two power distribution units include: at least one phase control unit, a first star coupler having M input ports and M output ports, and a second star coupler having N input ports and N output ports;

[0379] Wherein, one side port of the first star coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase-controlled unit, and the other side port of the first star coupler is cascade-connected to the at least one phase-controlled unit and the second star coupler in sequence.

[0380] The optical waveguide assembly shown in this exemplary embodiment 7 differs from the optical waveguide assembly shown in the aforementioned exemplary embodiment 6 in that:

[0381] The first multimode interferometer in the optical waveguide assembly shown in the sixth exemplary embodiment is replaced with a first star coupler, and the second multimode interferometer in the optical waveguide assembly shown in the sixth exemplary embodiment is replaced with a second star coupler.

[0382] Therefore, the optical waveguide component shown in this exemplary embodiment 7 can be specifically described by referring to the description of the optical waveguide component shown in the above exemplary embodiment 6, which will not be repeated here.

[0383] Through the optical waveguide component in this exemplary embodiment seven, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar and reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0384] Example 8:

[0385] The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first Y-type beam splitter, and a second Y-type beam splitter.

[0386] One side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the first Y-type beam splitter and the second Y-type beam splitter in sequence.

[0387] The optical waveguide assembly shown in this exemplary embodiment 7 differs from the optical waveguide assembly shown in the exemplary embodiment 1 in that:

[0388] The first 1×2 multimode interferometer in the optical waveguide component shown in the above exemplary embodiment is replaced by a first Y-type beam splitter, and the second 1×2 multimode interferometer in the optical waveguide component shown in the above exemplary embodiment is replaced by a second Y-type beam splitter.

[0389] Therefore, the optical waveguide component shown in this exemplary embodiment 8 can be specifically described by referring to the description of the optical waveguide component shown in the above exemplary embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0390] Through the optical waveguide component in this exemplary embodiment eight, the input optical signal can be transmitted to the output port according to any configured transmittance, solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0391] It should be understood that the above-mentioned Examples 1 to 8 are only used as several possible examples to illustrate the components that may be included in the above-mentioned power distribution unit, and should not be used to limit the present application. New examples obtained based on reasonable variations, supplements or combinations of the above-mentioned Examples 1 to 8 all fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0392] In addition, the present application also provides a transceiver device, which includes at least two optical waveguide components as described in any possible embodiment above, and the at least two optical waveguide components are arranged off-axis or coaxially.

[0393] For details, please refer to Figures 16A and 16B, which are structural diagrams of two transceiver devices provided in embodiments of the present application.

[0394] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B , four groups of transmitting antennas (TX1, TX2, TX3, TX4) and four groups of receiving antennas (RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4) are used as an example for illustration. These transmitting antennas and receiving antennas can be composed of optical waveguide assemblies described in any of the possible embodiments above. The transmitting antennas and receiving antennas (i.e., the multiple optical waveguide assemblies) in the transceiver shown in Figure 16A are arranged off-axis, while the transmitting antennas and receiving antennas (i.e., the multiple optical waveguide assemblies) in the transceiver shown in Figure 16B are arranged coaxially.

[0395] Optionally, the transceiver in the embodiment of the present application may be further described in combination with the optical waveguide assembly described in any possible embodiment above.

[0396] For details, please refer to Figures 17A to 17C, which are structural schematic diagrams of several transceiver devices provided in embodiments of the present application.

[0397] As shown in FIG17A , it shows the structure of one group of transmitting antennas and receiving antennas in the transceiver device shown in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the receiving antenna is composed of the optical waveguide component shown in Example 1 above.

[0398] As shown in FIG17B , it shows the structure of one group of transmitting antennas and receiving antennas in the transceiver device shown in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the transmitting antenna is composed of the optical waveguide component shown in Example 1 above.

[0399] As shown in FIG17C , this is the structure of one group of transmitting antennas and receiving antennas in the transceiver device shown in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are both composed of the optical waveguide components shown in Example 1 above.

[0400] It can be understood that the transmitting component and the receiving component in the embodiment of the present application are close to each other and can share a collimating optical system to achieve coaxial transmission and reception. Compared with the off-axis receiving solution, coaxial transmission and reception can simplify the external optical system, reduce the number of required mirrors, and reduce system complexity and system cost.

[0401] The at least two optical waveguide components included in the transceiver in the embodiment of the present application are suitable for both signal receiving scenarios and signal sending scenarios. They can transmit the input long-distance echo optical signal to the output port according to the configured transmittance, so that the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target has a smaller loss, while the echo optical signal corresponding to the close-range target has a larger loss. In this way, no matter how the position of the echo optical signal corresponding to the long-distance target moves away, an echo optical signal of a certain intensity can always be received and output, thereby solving the walk-off problem in the FMCW laser radar, and achieving relative balance between the received echo optical signals corresponding to the long-distance target and the echo optical signals corresponding to the close-range target, while reducing the number of components required for the optical waveguide component.

[0402] The present application provides a chip, which includes the optical waveguide component or transceiver provided in the present application.

[0403] The present application provides a radar or a radar system, which includes the optical waveguide component or the transceiver device or the above-mentioned chip provided in the present application.

[0404] In a possible implementation, the radar includes but is not limited to a laser radar, etc.

[0405] In a possible implementation, there may be a smart sensor integrating multiple sensors. When the smart sensor includes but is not limited to a laser detection function, the smart sensor may also be referred to as a radar or a radar system.

[0406] For details, please refer to Figure 18, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0407] As shown in Figure 18, the radar or radar system includes the optical waveguide component or transceiver device or the above-mentioned chip provided by the present application, which may specifically include but not be limited to a laser, a spectrometer, an optical transmitting component, an optical component, a beam scanning component, an optical receiving component, a mixer, a photodetector, a signal processor, and a controller).

[0408] The laser outputs a continuously frequency modulated optical signal that enters the optical splitter, which splits the input light into two beams. One beam goes directly to the mixer. The other beam enters the optical transmitter, passes through the optical assembly, and is then transmitted to the optical scanning assembly. After being reflected by an object, it forms a reflected light signal. This reflected light signal then passes through the optical assembly and enters the optical receiver. The output of the optical receiver enters the mixer, where it is converted into an electrical signal by a photodetector and then sent to the signal processor for processing.

[0409] Among them, the laser, the optical splitter, the optical transmitting component, and the optical receiving component can be integrated on the optical chip, or assembled on an optical chip by mounting.

[0410] This application also provides a terminal device comprising the optical waveguide assembly, transceiver, chip, radar, or radar system provided herein. For example, the terminal device can be a transportation vehicle, such as a car, truck, aircraft, drone, slow-moving vehicle, spacecraft, or ship, used in any possible scenario. It can also be any device capable of carrying a detection device, such as surveying and mapping equipment. The terminal device is equipped with one or more optical waveguide assemblies, transceiver, chip, radar, or radar system provided herein.

[0411] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical waveguide component, characterized in that, Including: M first coupling units and a first optical signal processing component, the first optical signal processing component having M first ports and N second ports, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and N is less than or equal to M; wherein: The first optical signal processing component includes at least M - 2 first phase control units and at least two power distribution units; The first phase control units are disposed between the first coupling units and the power distribution units, or the first phase control units are disposed between any two of the at least two power distribution units.

2. The optical waveguide component according to claim 1, characterized in that The optical waveguide assembly is an optical signal receiving assembly, the M first ports are used to receive optical signals, and the transmittance corresponding to the optical signals received by the M first ports after being processed by the first optical signal processing component increases along the first direction.

3. The optical waveguide component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first phase control units are disposed between the first coupling units and the power distribution units, including: The at least M - 2 first phase control units are cascade-connected to the M first coupling units.

4. The optical waveguide component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The number of layers x formed by cascade-connecting the at least two power distribution units satisfies the following condition: p ≤ x ≤ q; Wherein, x is an integer greater than 1, q is an integer greater than 1 and satisfies the following condition: q = M - 1, p is an integer greater than 1 and satisfies the following condition: 2 p-1 <M ≤ 2 p .

5. The optical waveguide component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The power distribution unit includes at least one of the following: Directional coupler, multimode interferometer, star coupler, adjustable ratio coupler, Y-branch splitter.

6. The optical waveguide component according to claim 4, wherein The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a second 1×2 multimode interferometer; Wherein, one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the first 1×2 multimode interferometer and the second 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

7. The optical waveguide component according to claim 4, wherein, The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a first 1×2 multimode interferometer; Wherein, one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the second 2×2 directional coupler and the first 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

8. The optical waveguide component according to claim 4, wherein The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a second 2×2 directional coupler, and a third 2×2 directional coupler; Wherein, one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascade-connected to the second 2×2 directional coupler and the third 2×2 directional coupler in sequence; Or, one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, one side port of the second 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side ports of the first 2×2 directional coupler and the second 2×2 directional coupler are respectively cascade-connected to the third 2×2 directional coupler.

9. The optical waveguide component according to claim 4, wherein The at least two power distribution units include: a first 2×2 directional coupler, a first 1×2 multimode interferometer, a second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and a third 1×2 multimode interferometer; Wherein, one side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first 2×2 directional coupler is cascaded with the first 1×2 multimode interferometer, the second 1×2 multimode interferometer, and the third 1×2 multimode interferometer in sequence.

10. The optical waveguide component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least two power distribution units include: a first adjustable ratio coupler, a second adjustable ratio coupler, and a third adjustable ratio coupler, and the coupling ratio configured by the adjustable ratio coupler is any value; Wherein, one side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is cascaded with the second adjustable ratio coupler and the third adjustable ratio coupler in sequence; Alternatively, one side port of the first adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, one side port of the second adjustable ratio coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side ports of the first adjustable ratio coupler and the second adjustable ratio coupler are respectively cascaded with the third adjustable ratio coupler.

11. The optical waveguide component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The adjustable ratio coupler includes at least one of the following: Two 2×2 directional couplers and an adjustable phase control unit, and the one adjustable phase control unit is arranged between the two 2×2 directional couplers; Alternatively, one 2×2 directional coupler, one adjustable phase control unit, and one 2×2 multimode interferometer, and the one adjustable phase control unit is arranged between the one 2×2 directional coupler and the one 2×2 multimode interferometer; Alternatively, one 2×2 directional coupler, one adjustable phase control unit, and one 2×1 multimode interferometer, and the one adjustable phase control unit is arranged between the one 2×2 directional coupler and the one 2×1 multimode interferometer.

12. The optical waveguide component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least two power distribution units include: at least one phase control unit, a first multimode interferometer having M input ports and M output ports, and a second multimode interferometer having N input ports and N output ports; Wherein, one side port of the first multimode interferometer is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first multimode interferometer is cascaded with the at least one phase control unit and the second multimode interferometer in sequence.

13. The optical waveguide component according to claim 5, characterized in that The at least two power distribution units include: at least one phase control unit, a first star coupler having M input ports and M output ports, and a second star coupler having N input ports and N output ports; Wherein, one side port of the first star coupler is connected to the first coupling unit or the first phase control unit, and the other side port of the first star coupler is cascaded with the at least one phase control unit and the second star coupler in sequence.

14. The optical waveguide component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The optical waveguide assembly further includes: A monitoring unit; The monitoring unit is configured to monitor the power of the optical signal in the first optical path from the spatial optical field.

15. The optical waveguide component according to claim 14, characterized in that, The monitoring unit is connected to the first output port of the first optical signal processing component. The first optical path is the optical path through which the near-field echo optical signal from the spatial optical field sequentially passes through the first coupling unit and the first optical signal processing component and is output from the first output port of the first optical signal processing component.

16. The optical waveguide component according to claim 14, wherein The monitoring unit is connected to the second output port. The first optical path is the optical path through which the near-field echo optical signal from the spatial optical field passes through the first coupling unit and is output from the second output port.

17. A transceiver device, characterized in that, The transceiver device includes at least two optical waveguide components as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, and the at least two optical waveguide components are arranged off-axis or coaxially.

18. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes the optical waveguide component as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the transceiver device as claimed in claim 17.

19. A radar, characterized in that, The radar includes the optical waveguide component as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the transceiver device as claimed in claim 17, or the chip as claimed in claim 18.

20. A terminal device, characterized in that, The terminal device includes the optical waveguide component as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the transceiver device as claimed in claim 17, or the chip as claimed in claim 18, or the radar as claimed in claim 19.

21. A car end, characterized in that, The vehicle end includes the optical waveguide component as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the transceiver device as claimed in claim 17, or the chip as claimed in claim 18, or the radar as claimed in claim 19, or the terminal device as claimed in claim 20.

Images