Holographic Imaging Optics for LIDAR Detector Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems require a large number of detectors to achieve maximum detection ranges, leading to increased complexity and costs, especially when silicon-based detectors are not feasible, and ambient light interference is a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system utilizing holographic imaging optics that focuses multiple light radiations onto a single detector, allowing for scanning of multiple planes with a reduced number of detectors, and incorporating multiple holograms for improved wavelength selectivity and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are used to detect multiple scanning planes simultaneously, then the detection coverage and vertical resolution are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scanning plane detection capabilities into a single detector by using a diffractive optical element that spatially separates light from different scanning planes. This allows one detector to perform the function of multiple detectors, reducing system complexity while maintaining multi-plane detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element acts as an intermediary between the multiple scanning planes and the single detector. It modulates and separates the light paths from different planes, enabling the detector to distinguish and record data from multiple planes sequentially or simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to achieve maximum detection range, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase especially when InGaAs detectors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple expensive detectors into a single detector system. By using the diffractive optical element to guide light from multiple scanning planes to one detector, the system achieves multi-plane detection precision while incurring the cost of only one detector
Solution Approach 2:
The single detector is made universal by enabling it to detect multiple scanning planes through the diffractive optical element. This multi-functional approach allows one detector to replace multiple specialized detectors, significantly reducing manufacturing costs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a narrow field of view is used for each detector to filter ambient light, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the number of detectors required increases to cover the entire observation area
Solution Approach 1:
The diffractive optical element serves as an intermediary that performs geometric selection and spatial filtering. It directs light from specific scanning plane angles to the detector while blocking ambient light, achieving narrow effective field of view without requiring multiple detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temporal multiplexing where the single detector sequentially detects different scanning planes at different time periods. This periodic detection approach allows each detector to have a narrow instantaneous field of view while collectively covering the entire observation area
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 approach reduces the number of detectors needed, lowers system complexity and costs, and enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, enabling more efficient scanning of a larger observation area with improved accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a holographic imaging optics for focusing the respective light radiations onto the detector
Implementation Method 2
the holographic optical element is designed, for each of the light radiations focused onto the detector, to focus the respective light radiation from only one spatial area individually assigned to the particular light radiation
Implementation Method 3
an illumination unit for illuminating the observation area using multiple light radiations, each having a different wavelength
Implementation Method 4
a detection unit for detecting the light radiations reflected by objects in the observation area, including at least one detection array, which is individually assigned to the particular detection area, made of up of a detector for detecting the light radiations from the spatial areas presently detected by the detection area
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system for detecting objects within an observation area. The LIDAR system includes an illumination unit for illuminating the observation area using multiple light radiations, each having a different wavelength, multiple separate spatial areas of the observation area, which are presently detected by a detection area of the LIDAR system, being temporally consecutively illuminated in each case with another of the light radiations; and a detection unit for detecting the light radiations reflected by objects, including at least one detection array, which is individually assigned to the particular detection area and is made of up of a detector for detecting the light radiations from the spatial areas presently detected by the detection area, and a holographic imaging optics for focusing the respective light radiations onto the detector.