Grating-Coupler LiDAR for Precise Range and Velocity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately determining the range and velocity of objects, especially at varying distances, due to limitations in beam modulation and interference issues, which affect the accuracy and reliability of autonomous vehicle control systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a LIDAR sensor system that uses frequency or phase modulation and incorporates grating couplers in both the transmitter and receiver, allowing for more efficient processing of return beams to determine object parameters, such as range and velocity, while minimizing interference and enhancing detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR systems use basic beam transmission without modulation, then the system structure remains simple, but the accuracy in determining range and velocity of objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency modulation and phase modulation to the transmit beam, changing the temporal parameters of the light signal. This allows the system to encode range and velocity information in the modulated beam, significantly improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through integrated photonic circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning and modulation systems with photonic integrated circuits that use optical interference and grating couplers. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling sophisticated beam modulation for accurate range and velocity determination
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If LIDAR systems increase beam power to detect objects at greater distances, then detection capability improves, but interference and noise in the return beam increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces grating couplers as intermediary optical elements that enable selective coupling of the modulated transmit beam and the return beam. These couplers, combined with photonic integrated circuits, act as intermediaries to separate and process signals while filtering out interference and noise, allowing detection at greater distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple grating couplers with specific spatial arrangements and coupling characteristics. Each coupler is optimized for specific angular and spectral properties, allowing the system to enhance detection capability while managing interference through localized optical processing
3Measurement precision
If multiple grating couplers are used in the transmitter and receiver, then processing efficiency and detection accuracy improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple grating couplers and photonic processing elements into integrated photonic circuits. By combining these optical components on a single chip or substrate, the system achieves improved measurement precision while reducing manufacturing complexity compared to assembling discrete optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic integrated circuits serve multiple functions: generating modulated beams, receiving return signals, processing optical interference patterns, and determining range and velocity. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, easing manufacturing while maintaining high measurement precision
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 enables more accurate and reliable determination of object range and velocity, improving the control of autonomous vehicles by reducing noise and interference, and allowing for better object detection at greater distances, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in autonomous navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter includes a first grating coupler... configured to output a transmit beam
Implementation Method 2
a scanner configured to receive the beam from the transmitter, direct the transmit beam to an environment, receive a return beam from reflection of the transmit beam by an object
Implementation Method 3
The receiver includes a plurality of second grating couplers spaced apart from the first grating coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor system for a vehicle includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a scanner. The transmitter is configured to output a transmit beam. The transmitter includes a first grating coupler. The receiver includes a plurality of second grating couplers spaced apart from the first grating coupler.