FAC Lens Alignment in LiDAR Optics for Accurate Beam Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face issues with improper alignment of fast-axis collimation (FAC) lenses relative to light emitters, leading to misdirection of transmit light and inability of reflected light to reach detectors, affecting beam direction, focus, and divergence.
Innovation Solution
The alignment of the FAC lens is adjusted relative to the light emitter device by adjusting its orientation and position, including angles such as yaw, pitch, and roll, ensuring the lens axis is at a non-zero angle to the reference plane, and fixed in place using adhesives, to center the beam and align optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the FAC lens is aligned at zero angle to the reference plane, then the alignment process is simpler, but the transmit light is misdirected and reflected light cannot reach the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the FAC lens orientation from the conventional zero-angle alignment to a non-zero angle (specifically, the lens axis is angled relative to the reference plane of the light emitter device). This parameter modification corrects the beam direction to properly reach the detector while maintaining alignment feasibility through defined angular relationships between optical components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the FAC lens is misaligned, then the device assembly is easier, but the beam focus and direction are incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining the correct angular relationship between the FAC lens axis and the light emitter device reference plane. This predetermined geometric configuration ensures that when components are assembled, the beam is automatically directed correctly toward the detector, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly alignment adjustments while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Device complexity
If the lens axis is at zero angle to the reference plane, then the optical component layout is simpler, but the transmitted light is not properly directed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the FAC lens orientation from zero to a non-zero angle relative to the reference plane. This parameter adjustment optimizes the light transmission path, ensuring that collimated light is properly directed toward the detector while the overall device complexity remains manageable through systematic optical design.
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 alignment technique improves the directionality and focus of transmitted light, enhances beam alignment, and reduces the likelihood of detector saturation, allowing for more efficient long-range sensing and improved signal-to-noise ratio in LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fast axis collimation (FAC) lens optically coupled to the light emitter device
Implementation Method 2
a transmit lens optically coupled to the FAC lens
Implementation Method 3
a receive lens and a light detector optically coupled to the receive lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to optical systems and related methods of their use. An example optical system includes a transmitter. The transmitter includes a light emitter device configured to emit emission light. The light emitter device defines a reference plane. The transmitter also includes a fast axis collimation (FAC) lens optically coupled to the light emitter device. A lens axis of the FAC lens is arranged at a non-zero angle with respect to the reference plane. The transmitter also includes a transmit lens optically coupled to the FAC lens. The optical system also includes a receiver. The receiver includes a receive lens and a light detector optically coupled to the receive lens.