Co-Aligned LiDAR Optics for Background Light Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light detectors, such as silicon photomultipliers, are sensitive to low light intensities but also susceptible to adverse background effects from extraneous light sources, leading to measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A system with a waveguide and mirror configuration that aligns transmit and receive paths, using a lens to focus light through an aperture defined in an opaque material, and incorporates a light detector array to filter out background light, reducing optical distortions like parallax.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light detectors are made sensitive to low light intensities, then detection quality is enhanced, but susceptibility to adverse background effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an opaque material with an aperture as an intermediary element between the light source and light detectors. This aperture selectively transmits only light traveling along the desired path while blocking extraneous background light, thereby maintaining high detection sensitivity without suffering from background interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful background light effects by using the aperture to remove unwanted light paths. Only the specific light path intended for measurement is allowed to reach the detectors, effectively taking out the adverse background effects from the detection system
2Device complexity
If separate transmit and receive paths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but optical distortions like parallax occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmit and receive paths by positioning both the light source and light detectors on opposite sides of the same aperture. This causes the transmit path and receive path to be co-aligned, eliminating parallax and other optical distortions while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
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 measurement accuracy by minimizing background light interference and preventing optical distortions, allowing for precise detection of scene reflections.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide that guides the emitted light from a first side of the waveguide to a second side of the waveguide opposite the first side
Implementation Method 2
a mirror that reflects the guided light toward the third side of the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a lens that focuses light from the scene toward the waveguide and the light detector
Data Source
AI summary
One example system includes a light source that emits light. The system also includes a waveguide that guides the emitted light from a first side of the waveguide toward a second side of the waveguide opposite the first side. The waveguide has a third side extending between the first side and the second side. The system also includes a mirror that reflects the guided light toward the third side of the waveguide. At least a portion of the reflected light propagates out of the waveguide toward a scene. The system also includes a light detector, and a lens that focuses light from the scene toward the waveguide and the light detector.