Integrated LIDAR Light Source With Optical Amplifier for Coherent Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face limitations in range resolution, sensitivity to object reflectivity, interference issues, and computational demands, particularly in automotive and commercial trucking applications, necessitating improved detection and velocity measurement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system incorporating an integrated light source with an optical amplifier array and transceiver device, utilizing frequency modulation (FM) or phase modulation (PM) to enhance detection range, accuracy, and reduce interference, enabling single-photon sensitivity and coherent detection for precise velocity measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR systems are used, then basic ranging capability is provided, but range resolution and sensitivity to object reflectivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the optical signal frequency or phase and using optical amplification to enhance the detected signal. The optical amplifier array device amplifies the returned optical signal, changing the signal strength parameter to improve both range resolution and sensitivity to object reflectivity, allowing accurate measurement even for objects with low reflectivity.
2Ease of operation
If direct ranging or basic detection techniques are used, then simple operation is maintained, but interference issues and computational demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical amplifier array device between the transceiver and the detection system. This intermediary component amplifies the optical signal before detection, enabling the system to distinguish true signals from interference more effectively, thereby reducing the impact of interference while maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If higher detection accuracy is achieved through advanced processing, then measurement precision improves, but computational demands and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational processing with an optical solution by using an optical amplifier array device. Instead of relying heavily on computational algorithms to achieve velocity measurement accuracy, the system uses optical amplification to enhance the signal quality directly, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity and computational demands.
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 system achieves enhanced detection of objects at greater distances, reduces interference, and provides instantaneous velocity measurements, improving safety and efficiency in autonomous vehicles by enabling faster reaction times and more accurate data processing.
Implementation Method 1
The optical amplifier array device may include an integrated optical component and be configured to amplify the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
The transceiver device may be configured to transmit the amplified optical signal to an environment and receive a returned optical signal that is reflected from an object in the environment
Implementation Method 3
receive a returned optical signal that is reflected from an object in the environment
Implementation Method 4
enabling single-photon sensitivity and coherent detection for precise velocity measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor system mounted to a vehicle includes a first device and a second device coupled to the first device. The first device includes a laser source and one or more optical components. The first device is configured to output an optical signal associated with a local oscillator (LO) signal. The second device includes an optical amplifier array device and a transceiver device. The optical amplifier array device includes an integrated optical component and is configured to amplify the optical signal. The transceiver device is configured to transmit the amplified optical signal to an environment and receive a returned optical signal that is reflected from an object in the environment.