Laser Radar Device Using Polarization Switching for Two-Eye Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser light transceivers face issues with increased size and reliability concerns due to mechanical scanning for two-eye direction observations, and splitting laser beams using polarization beam splitters reduces energy and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A laser radar device with a polarization changing unit that alters the polarization of the laser light beam over time, allowing for two-eye direction transmission without mechanical scanning, using a heterodyne detecting unit to combine reflected light beams with local light beams and achieve beat signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning is used to achieve two-eye direction observations, then observation capability in multiple directions is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a polarization-based optical switching system. Instead of mechanically moving mirrors or scanners to direct laser beams in different directions, the invention uses polarization beam splitters and wave plates to dynamically route light based on polarization state, eliminating heavy mechanical components while maintaining multi-directional observation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position (scanner angle) to optical polarization state. By modulating the polarization of the laser beam using electro-optic modulators and wave plates, the system achieves beam direction control without mechanical movement, thereby reducing device weight and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning is used to achieve two-eye direction observations, then observation capability in multiple directions is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical scanning components (mirrors, galvanometers, motors) that are prone to failure, wear, and vibration. Instead, it uses solid-state polarization optical components that have no moving parts, significantly improving system reliability and reducing maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical scanning subsystem from the overall system architecture. By taking out the mechanical components and replacing them with purely optical polarization-based switching, the invention eliminates the reliability issues associated with mechanical movements while preserving the essential function of multi-directional observation
3Reliability
If polarization beam splitter is used to split laser beam into two beams, then device reliability is improved by eliminating movable members, but energy for one pulse is reduced in half
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic polarization switching using electro-optic modulators and wave plates that can be controlled in real-time. This dynamic system allows the laser beam to be directed to different receivers based on polarization state, enabling full laser energy to be delivered to the intended receiver rather than being split and lost, thus improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic polarization modulation to switch the laser beam between different transmission paths. By rapidly changing the polarization state in sync with the observation requirements, the system can direct full laser power to the active receiver and block the inactive one, achieving time-division multiplexing that preserves energy efficiency
4Reliability
If polarization beam splitter is used to split laser beam into two beams, then device reliability is improved by eliminating movable members, but power of laser light beam transmitted and received decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic polarization control to ensure that at any given time, the full laser power is directed to the active transmission path. By synchronizing polarization switching with the observation timing, the system maintains maximum laser power delivery to the receiving antenna, preventing the power reduction that would occur with static beam splitting
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 configuration maintains laser power in two-eye directions without mechanical scanning, reduces device size and weight, and enhances reliability by eliminating the need for mechanical components, while improving observation accuracy and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization changing unit (2) to output the laser light beam toward a direction corresponding to polarization of the laser light beam while changing the polarization of the laser light beam with respect to time
Implementation Method 2
a heterodyne detecting unit for combining each of the reflected light beams received by the reception optical system, and a local light beam corresponding to the laser light beam outputted from the light source, to acquire beat signals
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a laser light transceiver which is configured so as to include a polarization changing unit 2 for outputting a laser light beam outputted from a transmission light source 1 toward a direction corresponding to the polarization of the laser light beam while changing the polarization of the laser light beam with respect to time. As a result, the laser light transceiver can transmit a laser light beam, whose power is not decreased, in two eye directions without mechanically scanning with the laser light beam.