Hybrid 2D Steering Lidar Using Segmented Photonic and Free-Space Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges with high power consumption, architectural complexity, and limited field-of-view due to the use of on-chip photonics for beamforming and beam-steering, while free space optics are bulky and costly. Additionally, slow response times and high insertion loss in thermo-optic switches and one-dimensional optical phased arrays lead to low signal-to-noise ratios and limited resolution.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid LIDAR system architecture that combines an optical emitter chip with a lens system and a rotating reflector for beam-steering, where the optical emitter chip integrates lasers, detectors, and switches, and the lens system and rotating reflector are used for beamforming and steering, allowing for efficient and compact two-dimensional beam control without the need for complex phase control between emitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If on-chip photonics is used for beamforming and beam-steering, then the system becomes compact and cost-effective, but power consumption increases significantly and architectural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: an on-chip photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for beamforming and a free-space optical system for beam-steering. The PIC integrates multiple lasers, detectors, and switches in a compact format, while the free-space optics handle the beam steering function separately. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, reducing overall power consumption and complexity compared to fully integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
A free-space optical interface acts as an intermediary between the on-chip photonic circuit and the external environment. This intermediary enables the compact PIC to interface with the free-space optical beam-steering system, combining the advantages of both integrated photonics (compactness, low cost) and free-space optics (low power, simplicity) without requiring the entire system to be either fully integrated or fully discrete.
2Use of energy by moving object
If free space optics are used for beamforming and beam-steering, then the system remains power efficient and architecturally simple, but the system becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: an on-chip photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for beamforming and a free-space optical system for beam-steering. The PIC integrates multiple lasers, detectors, and switches in a compact format, while the free-space optics handle the beam steering function separately. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, reducing overall power consumption and complexity compared to fully integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the on-chip photonic circuit and free-space optical system into a hybrid architecture. The PIC provides compact integration of optical components, while the free-space optical system provides simple and efficient beam steering. By combining these two approaches, the system achieves both compactness and power efficiency, avoiding the bulkiness of purely free-space optical systems.
3Ease of operation
If thermo-optic switches are used in on-chip photonics, then the system achieves beam steering capability, but response time becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
A free-space optical interface acts as an intermediary between the on-chip photonic circuit and the external environment. This intermediary enables the compact PIC to interface with the free-space optical beam-steering system, combining the advantages of both integrated photonics (compactness, low cost) and free-space optics (low power, simplicity) without requiring the entire system to be either fully integrated or fully discrete.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical-phased-array is used for beam steering, then the system achieves two-dimensional beam control, but insertion loss increases resulting in low signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
A free-space optical interface acts as an intermediary between the on-chip photonic circuit and the external environment. This intermediary enables the compact PIC to interface with the free-space optical beam-steering system, combining the advantages of both integrated photonics (compactness, low cost) and free-space optics (low power, simplicity) without requiring the entire system to be either fully integrated or fully discrete.
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 enables a compact, low-cost LIDAR system with improved power efficiency, higher resolution, and increased signal-to-noise ratio by simplifying the design and reducing the need for multiple discrete components, while allowing for efficient beam-steering and beamforming.
Implementation Method 1
a lens system configured to shape and direct each respective beam of output light and each respective beam of input light based on a position of each respective point emitter relative to an optical axis of the lens system
Implementation Method 2
a rotating reflector located at the aperture stop of the lens system configured to redirect each respective beam of output light outwardly at an angle to the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical emitter device includes an emitter array comprising a plurality of end-fire tapers, each end-fire taper configured to selectively emit a respective beam of light. A lens system is configured to shape and direct each beam of light based on a position of the respective end-fire taper relative to an optical axis of the lens system. A rotating reflector, including an axis of rotation perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens system, is configured to redirect and scan the beams of light through a scanning range.