Compressible Optic LIDAR Beam Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges such as high cost, limited packaging space, and inefficient power usage, particularly in scanning LIDAR systems which require additional space and components like avalanche photodiode arrays and high-power laser sources.
Innovation Solution
The use of a LIDAR device with a plurality of laser diodes, compressible optic components, and micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) actuators that control the orientation of ultrathin glass lenses and compressible optic materials to steer and scan beams efficiently, eliminating the need for separate mirrors and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If scanning LIDAR systems use traditional scanning components, then beam steering capability is achieved, but device complexity and packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning components (mirrors, galvanometers) with an acoustic field-based beam steering mechanism. Acoustic waves are used to manipulate the optical path and steer the laser beam without moving mechanical parts, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for large packaging space while maintaining full beam steering capability.
2Measurement precision
If avalanche photodiode arrays are used in flash LIDAR, then object detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive avalanche photodiode arrays with simpler, lower-cost photodetectors. The system compensates for the reduced sensitivity of these cheaper detectors by using multiple laser wavelengths and temporal gating techniques, achieving comparable detection performance at a significantly lower system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using multiple laser wavelengths (e.g., 532nm and 1064nm) instead of relying on high-power single-wavelength sources. This multi-wavelength approach allows the use of less sensitive but cheaper photodetectors while maintaining detection capability through wavelength-specific detection strategies.
3Illumination intensity
If high-power laser sources are used in flash LIDAR, then illumination uniformity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination approach by using multiple lower-power laser sources operating at different wavelengths instead of a single high-power source. Each laser diode operates at moderate power levels, and their combined effect provides sufficient illumination uniformity while dramatically reducing total power consumption compared to a single high-power laser.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed operation of multiple laser diodes at different wavelengths. By sequentially activating different laser sources in a time-multiplexed manner, the system achieves uniform illumination across the field of view while keeping each individual laser operating at low power, thus reducing overall energy consumption.
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 solution enables scanning-type LIDAR applications with reduced cost, size, and power requirements, providing a wider beam control range within a smaller package, making it suitable for automated vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible optic component is situated relative to the source of radiation so that emitted radiation passes through and is refracted by the compressible optic component
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5C
AI summary
An illustrative example device for steering a beam of radiation includes at least one compressible optic component (40) including at least one lens (42) in a compressible optic material (44) adjacent the lens (42). An actuator controls an orientation of the lens (42) by selectively applying pressure on the compressible optic material (44).