Temperature-Controlled Beam-Steering Engine for Lidar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beam-steering devices in LIDAR systems face limitations due to transition times required for switching between operational modes, which restrict the beam-steering rate and scanning speed.
Innovation Solution
A beam-steering engine with a temperature-controlled solid-state optical element that varies transition times between operational modes, allowing for faster and more precise light beam steering by maintaining the transition time below a certain limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voltage is applied to switch the optical element between operational modes, then beam-steering control is achieved, but transition time increases and scanning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the optical element to optimize its switching characteristics. By maintaining the optical element at a specific temperature range, the transition time between operational modes is reduced, thereby improving scanning speed while preserving beam-steering control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-heating or pre-cooling the optical element to its optimal operating temperature before switching operations begin. This preliminary temperature adjustment ensures that subsequent mode transitions occur more rapidly, reducing the impact of transition time on overall scanning speed.
2Speed
If transition time between operational modes is reduced, then scanning speed improves, but reliability of light management during transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring the operational state of the optical element during transitions and adjusting control signals accordingly. This feedback ensures that even with reduced transition times, the light management remains reliable by detecting and correcting any anomalies that occur during rapid switching between operational modes.
3Productivity
If temperature of optical element is controlled to reduce transition time, then scanning efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the optical element or its housing with integrated heating or cooling structures that automatically maintain optimal temperature without requiring complex external control systems. This self-regulating approach reduces transition times and improves scanning efficiency while minimizing the added device complexity.
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
Enhances the scanning speed and efficiency of LIDAR systems by reducing transition times and improving the reliability of light management during transitions, thereby increasing the frame rate and scanning resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The polarization grating is capable of diffracting incident light into three possible diffracted orders (0th, +1st and −1st) according to input polarization and applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
the polarization grating includes a switchable liquid crystal layer having a periodic profile of spatially varying optical anisotropy, for example as provided by a birefringent liquid crystal material
Implementation Method 3
the polarization grating includes a switchable liquid crystal layer having a periodic profile of spatially varying optical anisotropy, for example as provided by a birefringent liquid crystal material
Implementation Method 4
The polarization of the incident light introduced into the polarization grating is controlled by a polarization selector, which is also switchable
Implementation Method 5
A transition of the optical element between the first and second operational modes is characterized by a transition time period that varies with a temperature of the optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A beam-steering engine, comprising an optical element switchable between a first operational mode and a second operational mode, in the first operational mode of the optical element the beam-steering engine is configured to output an input light beam incident on the beam-steering engine along a first propagation direction and in the second operational mode of the optical element the beam-steering engine is configured to output the input light beam incident on the beam-steering engine along a second propagation direction. A transition of the optical element between the first and second operational modes is characterized by a transition time period that varies with a temperature of the optical element. The beam-steering engine further includes a device to control a temperature of the solid-state optical element to maintain the transition time period below a certain limit.