Dynamic ToF Beam Splitter for Coaxial LIDAR Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial LIDAR architectures face significant signal loss due to beam splitters, which limits the detection range and strength of received light, making it difficult to effectively detect laser light.
Innovation Solution
A time-of-flight optical beam splitter with a main body having different reflectivity regions and a reflective coating, where the reflective coating has higher reflectivity than the main body, allowing for a time-variable splitting ratio dependent on the round trip time of the light beam, minimizing losses by directing light appropriately based on the time-of-flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a beam splitter is used in coaxial LIDAR architecture to direct transmitted and received light, then light can be separated into transmission and receiver paths, but significant signal loss occurs which weakens the received light strength and limits detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter transitions from a static component to a dynamic one by incorporating a movable mirror that can adjust its position between a first position (for transmission) and a second position (for reception). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize light routing based on operational mode, minimizing signal loss during reception by directing received light through a path with fewer reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter is divided into multiple functional components: a fixed beam splitter element, a movable mirror, and a controller. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the beam splitter element handles light separation, the movable mirror dynamically redirects light paths, and the controller coordinates the switching between transmission and reception modes, thereby reducing overall signal loss.
2Ease of operation
If a beam splitter is used to direct light in coaxial LIDAR, then transmitted and received light paths can be separated, but the signal strength of received light is weakened making detection more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mirror dynamically switches between transmission and reception positions, creating a time-division multiplexed system. During reception, the mirror positions the received light path to bypass additional beam splitter surfaces, thereby preserving signal strength. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that received light maintains maximum intensity for detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mirror acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the beam splitter element and the received light. By introducing this intermediate component, the system can redirect received light through an optimized path that avoids excessive reflection losses, thus maintaining stronger signal strength at the detector.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitter is used in coaxial LIDAR architecture, then light transmission and reception can be achieved through a single optical path, but detection range is limited due to signal losses
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic mirror positioning system enables the coaxial LIDAR to maintain its compact architecture while extending detection range. By dynamically adjusting the mirror position based on whether the system is in transmission or reception mode, the patent reduces signal losses that would otherwise limit detection range, thereby allowing the coaxial design to achieve longer standoff distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (mirror position, light routing path) based on the operational mode. During reception, the mirror is positioned to minimize the number of reflective surfaces the light must traverse, effectively changing the optical path parameters to reduce loss and extend the viable detection range of the coaxial LIDAR system.
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 reduces signal loss and enhances the detection range and strength of received light, improving the overall performance of the LIDAR system by optimizing the splitting ratio based on the time-of-flight of the light beam.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective coating disposed on the second main surface at the first region and excluded from the second main surface at the second region, wherein the reflective coating has second reflectivity that is greater than the first reflectivity
Data Source
AI summary
A time-of-flight (ToF) optical beam splitter includes a main body having a first reflectivity and comprising a main surface configured to receive a receive light beam from an environment that corresponds to a transmit light beam transmitted into the environment, where the main surface includes a first region and a second region; and a reflective coating disposed on the main surface at the first region and excluded from the main surface at the second region, where the reflective coating has second reflectivity that is greater than the first reflectivity. The ToF optical beam splitter has a time variable splitting ratio with respect to the receive light beam that is dependent on a ToF of a round trip light beam comprising of the transmit light beam and the receive light beam.