Dynamic DOE Beam Multiplexing for Compact, Low-Crosstalk Lidar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar technologies face challenges in increasing the number of sensing channels while minimizing interference and reducing complexity, size, and cost, particularly in autonomous vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic diffraction optical element (DOE) that dynamically modifies its configuration to split an incident beam into multiple beams with distinct phase or frequency signatures, using a single optical modulator for efficient channel multiplexing, preventing cross-talk between channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple optical modulators are used to increase the number of sensing channels, then the channel count increases, but the complexity, size, and cost of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical modulator functions into a single optical modulator by using a diffractive optical element (DOE) that dynamically directs the modulated beam to different output channels. This merging approach increases the number of sensing channels without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one modulator serves multiple channels through dynamic beam steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic diffraction elements that can change their configuration in real-time to route the modulated beam to different output channels. This dynamic switching capability allows a single optical modulator to serve multiple sensing channels by dynamically directing the beam to different channels based on the required sensing direction, thereby increasing channel count without adding multiple static modulators.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple optical modulators are used to increase the number of sensing channels, then the channel count increases, but the size of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical modulators into a single modulator unit combined with a dynamic diffraction element. This consolidation reduces the overall system size compared to having separate modulators for each channel, as the shared modulator and dynamic routing mechanism occupy less space than multiple independent modulator assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical modulator is designed to serve multiple sensing channels through its combination with the dynamic diffraction element. This multi-functional approach allows one modulator to perform the work of multiple modulators by dynamically directing the beam to different channels, thereby reducing the total system size while maintaining the required number of sensing channels.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple optical modulators are used to increase the number of sensing channels, then the channel count increases, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical modulator functions into a single modulator paired with a dynamic diffraction element. This merging reduces the bill of materials cost by eliminating the need for multiple expensive optical modulators, as one modulator serves multiple channels through dynamic beam steering controlled by the diffraction element.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic diffraction element provides a cost-effective solution to increase channel count by replacing the need for multiple static modulators. The dynamic routing capability allows a single modulator to serve multiple channels, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the required number of sensing channels for autonomous vehicle applications.
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 the efficiency and effectiveness of lidar systems by simultaneously producing multiple sensing channels without increasing complexity or cost, improving the speed and accuracy of range and velocity detection in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction optical element (DOE) to generate, based on the first beam configured to have a first phase information, one or more second beams
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a system that includes a light source to produce a first beam, a diffraction optical element (DOE) to generate, based on the first beam configured to have a first phase information, one or more second beams. The system further includes a DOE control module to configure the DOE, for each of a plurality of times, into a respective one of a plurality of DOE configurations, and cause each of the one or more second beams to have a phase information that is different from a phase information of the first beam, wherein the phase information of each of the one or more second beams is determined by a time sequence of the plurality of DOE configurations.