Voltage-Controlled Beam Steering for Precise LiDAR Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam steering devices for advanced driving assistance systems and LiDAR applications face limitations in efficiently adjusting the reflection angle of incident light to accurately steer laser beams towards desired locations, affecting the precision and effectiveness of surrounding information gathering.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering device comprising a substrate with an antenna layer, a dielectric layer, a refractive index changing layer, and an electrode layer, where the refractive index changing layer adjusts the plasmon resonance characteristics by changing the applied voltage, allowing for precise control of the reflection angle of incident light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a beam steering device uses a fixed structure to reflect light, then the device is simple in structure, but the reflection angle cannot be adjusted to steer laser beams towards desired locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reflection angle adjustable through voltage control. The beam steering device transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one where the reflection angle can be changed by applying different voltages to the antenna layer, enabling the laser beam to be steered towards desired locations without mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reflection angle parameter by adjusting the voltage applied to the antenna layer. This electrical parameter control allows the beam steering device to adjust its reflection angle and steer laser beams towards different locations, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure simplicity and angle adjustability.
2Measurement precision
If the beam steering device uses conventional reflection methods, then the structure is simple, but the precision of steering laser beams to desired locations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with an optical-based antenna layer system. By using the antenna layer's interaction with light and voltage control, the device achieves precise beam steering without mechanical moving parts, thereby improving precision while managing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves precise beam steering by changing the reflection angle through voltage parameter adjustment. This electrical control mechanism allows for precise adjustment of the laser beam direction, improving steering precision compared to conventional fixed or mechanically-adjusted systems.
3Measurement precision
If the beam steering device adjusts reflection angle frequently, then the steering accuracy is improved, but the response time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment systems with an electrical field-based antenna layer system. This substitution allows for rapid, energy-efficient angle adjustment by simply changing the applied voltage, reducing both response time and energy consumption compared to mechanical systems that require physical movement for each angle change.
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 precise steering of laser beams by adjusting the reflection angle, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of light detection and ranging applications, such as in vehicle LiDAR systems, by modifying the resonance characteristics based on electrical signals.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna layer (102), disposed on the substrate (101)... a refractive index changing layer (104), disposed on the dielectric layer (103)... adjusting a reflection angle of the incident light by changing a resonance characteristic of the antenna layer (102) in response to changing a refractive index of the refractive index changing layer (104)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
Disclosed is a beam-steering device (100) capable of adjusting a reflection angle of incident light and reflecting the incident light to a desired location. Also disclosed is an optical apparatus (300) configured to detect light reflected from an external object (400) and to extract information with respect to the external object (400). The beam-steering device includes: a substrate (101); an antenna layer (102) disposed on the substrate (101); a dielectric layer (103) covering the antenna layer (102); a refractive index changing layer (104) disposed on the dielectric layer (103); and an electrode layer (105) disposed on the refractive index changing layer (104).