Adaptive Optical Semiconductor Package for Tunable LiDAR Beam Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting semiconductor packages have fixed radiation characteristics that cannot be adjusted during operation, requiring additional external optical components to modify emission profiles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an adaptive optical element within the light-emitting device, such as a dielectric elastomer actuator or liquid crystal layer, which can dynamically change the refractive index and structural arrangement to control the radiation profile of the emitted light, allowing for adjustable beam angles and spectral components without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed optical components are used during manufacture, then the semiconductor package can be produced efficiently, but the radiation characteristics cannot be adjusted during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed optical components with a tunable lens that can dynamically change its focal length and optical properties during operation. The lens is actuated by a piezoelectric element that responds to control signals, enabling real-time adjustment of the radiation pattern without requiring manufacturing changes or additional external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical state and optical parameters of the lens material through electrical actuation. The piezoelectric actuator changes the lens curvature, refractive index, and focal length by applying voltage, thereby dynamically altering the radiation characteristics while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external optical components are added to adjust radiation characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the tunable lens and piezoelectric actuator directly into the semiconductor package housing, combining multiple functions (optical adjustment, actuation, and control) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external optical components and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full adjustability of radiation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional integrated optical assembly where the same lens structure serves multiple purposes: focusing, beam shaping, and radiation pattern control. The piezoelectric actuator provides both mechanical adjustment and electrical control functions, reducing the total component count while achieving versatile radiation adjustment capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tunable lens is integrated into the semiconductor package, then the adaptability of radiation characteristics is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical system into modular functional elements: the semiconductor light source, the tunable lens element, and the piezoelectric actuator. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while enabling complex tunable functionality through standardized interfaces between modules.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables variable radiation characteristics during operation, allowing for switching between wide and narrow beam angles, reducing the need for external components and enabling identical devices to meet different application requirements, while maintaining a compact and flat form factor.
Implementation Method 1
an adaptive optical element (3) which is arranged downstream of the light-emitting semiconductor component (1) in the beam path of the light (9) generated by the light-emitting semiconductor component (1) during operation
Implementation Method 2
such as a dielectric elastomer actuator or liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 3
such as a dielectric elastomer actuator or liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a light-emitting device includes a housing body, a light-emitting semiconductor component in the housing body, the light-emitting component configured to emit light and an adaptive optical element in and/or on the housing body arranged downstream of the light-emitting semiconductor component in an optical path of the light, wherein the light-emitting device is a semiconductor package.