Electro-Optic Beam Scanner for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision systems for autonomous vehicles have limited field of regard and low scan frequency, which hinders their ability to operate safely and efficiently, especially in applications requiring wide-angle and high-speed scanning.
Innovation Solution
A novel beam scanning system with a large aperture and no moving parts, utilizing a variably polarizable, substantially transparent optical element with particles capable of creating dipole moments under electrical stimulation, allowing for high-speed beam steering and reception of electromagnetic signals across a wide field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical beam steering elements (movable deflection, MEMS devices, rotating mirrors) are used to increase scan frequency and field of regard, then scanning speed and coverage are improved, but power consumption increases substantially and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems (galvanometers, MEMS, rotating mirrors) with an electro-optic system using Pockels cells or Kerr cells. These electro-optic modulators change the polarization state of light in response to applied voltage, enabling beam steering without moving parts. This substitution eliminates the mechanical inertia and power consumption associated with traditional systems while achieving scan frequencies exceeding 75 KHz.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using high-voltage pulsed signals to induce rapid polarization changes in the electro-optic material. By applying voltage pulses of specific duration and magnitude, the system achieves fast beam deflection without the continuous power consumption required by mechanical systems. The electro-optic effect allows instantaneous response to voltage changes, enabling scan rates >75 KHz with minimal energy input.
2Speed
If mechanical beam steering elements are used to increase scan frequency and field of regard, then scanning speed and coverage are improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems (galvanometers, MEMS, rotating mirrors) with an electro-optic system using Pockels cells or Kerr cells. These electro-optic modulators change the polarization state of light in response to applied voltage, enabling beam steering without moving parts. This substitution eliminates the mechanical inertia and power consumption associated with traditional systems while achieving scan frequencies exceeding 75 KHz.
3Productivity
If prior art vision systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but field of regard and scan frequency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a polarizing beam splitter that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it separates incoming light into orthogonal polarization components, directs them to different detectors, and enables independent scanning in two orthogonal directions using two electro-optic modulators. This single optical element handles beam splitting, polarization separation, and directional steering, reducing the need for separate mechanical components and simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving >75 KHz scan rates and 180-degree field of regard.
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
The system achieves a high sampling rate exceeding 75 KHz and a large field of regard, enabling improved safety and efficiency in autonomous vehicle navigation while reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
A novel beam scanning system with a large aperture and no moving parts, utilizing a variably polarizable, substantially transparent optical element with particles capable of creating dipole moments under electrical stimulation
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a variably polarizable, substantially transparent optical element with particles capable of creating dipole moments under electrical stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
A light beam steering transmissive element with an arbitrarily sized aperture comprising at least one layer of a insulating matrix modified for increased polarizability under electrical, magnetic or optical stimulation, between two or more substrates that can be electrically configured to provide signal modulation (optical, magnetic or electrical) that will control the wavefronts of incident light, thereby taking off-axis electromagnetic signals and aligning them to the aperture of a receiving element positioned near the device, or the reverse, sending signals originating behind the steering device to a variety of user-defined angles in two or more dimensions.