Focal Plane Array LiDAR Beam Steering Without Moving Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems rely on mechanical moving parts and bulk optical lenses, which are bulky, costly, and unreliable, making them unsuitable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A lens-free focal plane array (FPA) system for LiDAR that uses a coherent pixel array (CPA) and a diffraction grating stack (DGS) to steer light beams without mechanical components, enabling 1D and 2D scanning by selectively activating coherent pixels and diffraction gratings to emit and receive light at unique angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical moving parts and bulk optical lenses are used to steer laser beams, then beam steering capability is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, costly, and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with a focal plane array consisting of multiple coherent pixels that can be selectively activated. Each pixel contains a laser source and optical components arranged to emit beams at specific angles, eliminating the need for mechanical beam steering while achieving the same functional capability through electronic control of pixel activation sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the beam steering function into multiple independent coherent pixels, where each pixel is responsible for emitting beams at specific angles. By selectively activating different pixels in sequences, the system achieves complex beam steering patterns without requiring a single complex mechanical steering mechanism, thereby improving reliability and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical moving parts and bulk optical lenses are used to steer laser beams, then beam steering capability is achieved, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from mechanical beam steering in three-dimensional space to a two-dimensional array of coherent pixels on a focal plane. By activating pixels in specific sequences and patterns across the 2D array, the system achieves beam steering capability while maintaining a compact form factor, as the steering function is embedded in the spatial arrangement of pixels rather than requiring large mechanical movement ranges.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical moving parts and bulk optical lenses are used to steer laser beams, then beam steering capability is achieved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources, optical components, and beam steering functions into an integrated focal plane array structure. Each coherent pixel integrates a laser source with optical elements to emit beams at specific angles, and the entire array is controlled through electronic pixel activation sequences. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical steering components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining beam steering capability.
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 FPA system provides a compact, cost-effective alternative to conventional LiDAR systems, mitigating form factor and reliability issues while offering higher performance and additional degrees of freedom in beam steering.
Implementation Method 1
The DGS includes one or more diffraction gratings arranged in series. The DGS may be comprised of thin aperiodic diffraction gratings which collimate light emitted by each CPA in the CPA array. The DGS directs coherent light emitted by the CPA into an environment as one or more light beams.
Implementation Method 2
Reciprocally, a beam of light propagating into the DGS at a specific return angle is focused by the DGS to a spot on the CPA.
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR system includes a focal plane array (FPA) system. The FPA system includes a coherent pixel array (CPA) and a diffraction grating stack (DGS). The CPA includes coherent pixels (CPs), and the CPs are configured to emit coherent light. The DGS includes at least one diffraction grating that is positioned to diffract coherent light emitted from the CPA into an environment as one or more light beams. The one or more light beams is emitted at a specific angle and the specific angle is based in part on positions of the CPs that generated the coherent light that form the one or more beams.