Coherent LiDAR IQ Detection With Multi-Channel Beam Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges in scaling down to compact dimensions required for automotive applications due to the bulkiness of fiber coupling, which limits the addition of multiple channels and hinders efficient operation in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed LIDAR system employs a multi-channel coherent LIDAR transceiver that splits and pairs optical beams with local oscillator signals, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of light signals, thereby reducing the need for bulky fiber coupling and enabling compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber coupling is used to transmit optical beams in LIDAR systems, then reliable optical signal transmission is achieved, but the system size increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fiber coupling with direct optical beam pairing between transmit and receive antennas. The optical beams are transmitted freely through space without requiring physical fiber connections, eliminating the bulky fiber coupling infrastructure while maintaining reliable optical signal transmission between the LIDAR components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple LIDAR functions (transmit, receive, and beam pairing) into a single compact device structure. The same optical antenna performs both transmission and reception functions, and the direct beam pairing mechanism serves multiple channels simultaneously, reducing the overall system volume while maintaining full functionality.
2Measurement precision
If multiple channels are added to LIDAR systems to improve detection capability, then object detection performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LIDAR system into multiple independent optical channels, each capable of detecting objects in different directions or ranges. By segmenting the detection function into multiple channels with simplified individual structures, the system achieves enhanced object detection precision without proportionally increasing overall complexity, as each channel uses the same compact direct-beam-pairing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple LIDAR channels into a single integrated device structure where share d components (such as optical sources, detectors, and beam pairing mechanisms) serve multiple channels simultaneously. This merging approach enables multi-channel object detection while reducing device complexity through resource sharing and functional integration.
3Volume of moving object
If compact LIDAR design is implemented to reduce system size, then vehicle integration is improved, but optical beam pairing accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the optical beam itself as an intermediary to establish precise pairing between transmit and receive channels. The direct optical beam connection acts as a natural alignment reference, enabling accurate beam pairing without requiring bulky mechanical alignment mechanisms or complex positioning systems, thus maintaining pairing accuracy in a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical alignment in physical space to optical field alignment in the electromagnetic dimension. By using optical beam properties (phase, frequency, and spatial coherence) to establish pairing relationships, the system achieves high pairing accuracy without relying on mechanical precision, enabling compact design while maintaining measurement precision.
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
This approach allows for the integration of multiple LIDAR functions into a single compact device, enhancing the capability to detect objects at various distances and velocities, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more optical components configured to split the optical beam into a first split optical beam and a second split optical beam
Implementation Method 2
the one or more optical components configured to receive, from the optical device, a first reflected beam that is associated with the first split optical beam and a second reflected beam that is associated with the second split optical beam
Implementation Method 3
the one or more optical components configured to pair the first reflected beam with the LO signal and the second reflected beam with the LO signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for combining multiple functions of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes receiving a second optical beam generated by the laser source or a second laser source, wherein the second optical beam is associated with a second local oscillator (LO); splitting the second optical beam into a third split optical beam and a fourth split optical beam; transmitting, to the optical device, the third split optical beam and the fourth split optical beam; receiving, from the optical device, a third reflected beam that is associated with the third split optical beam and a fourth reflected beam that is associated with the fourth split optical beam; and pairing the third reflected beam with the second LO signal and the fourth reflected beam with the second LO signal.