Diffractive LiDAR Beam Steering for Vibration-Robust 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar systems face limitations in scanning speed, precision, and robustness due to mechanical sensitivity to vibrations and non-uniform scanning angles, particularly in mechanical and interferential optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A lidar system utilizing two diffractive optical components to direct laser beams with separate wavelength combs in azimuthal and elevation planes, combined with a photodiode to detect and process beat frequencies for simultaneous multi-directional scanning without moving parts, enabling precise position and radial speed determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mechanical scanning is used to direct laser beams, then the lidar can cover a wide solid angle, but the system becomes highly sensitive to vibrations and accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with acoustic wave-based beam steering. Acoustic waves modulate the refractive index of the medium to deflect laser beams without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating sensitivity to vibrations and accelerations while maintaining wide angular coverage capability
2Reliability
If interferential optical systems are used to deflect beams, then no moving parts are required, but the scanning angles become nonuniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic waves with controllable frequency and amplitude parameters to steer laser beams. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves uniform scanning angles across the entire field of view while maintaining a completely stationary optical configuration, overcoming the nonuniform angle problem of interferential systems
3Area of stationary object
If beam scanning is performed to observe different directions, then the lidar can cover the entire scene, but each direction is observed only intermittently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables simultaneous observation of multiple directions by using acoustic waves to steer multiple laser beams across different angular positions at the same time. This parallel beam steering approach allows continuous observation of the entire scene without the intermittent scanning required by traditional single-beam systems
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 rapid, robust, and precise three-dimensional scanning of objects with reduced sensitivity to vibrations, allowing simultaneous multi-directional observation and accurate measurement of position and speed without mechanical scanning.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical component configured to direct the beam towards a scene to be observed in one different direction for each wavelength of the comb
Implementation Method 2
an optical detecting system for detecting radiation emitted by the laser assembly and reflected by a scene to be observed
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar system includes a laser assembly comprising at least one laser source, the laser assembly being configured to emit a first beam comprising a first comb of separate wavelengths and a second beam comprising a second comb of separate wavelengths different from those of the first comb, the lidar system comprising an optical detecting system for detecting radiation emitted by the laser assembly and reflected by a scene to be observed, wherein the lidar system also comprises, inter alia: a first diffractive optical component configured to direct the first beam toward the scene to be observed in a plurality of different directions for each wavelength of the first comb.