LIDAR Transmitter Optics With Angled FAC Lens Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face issues with improper alignment of fast-axis collimating lenses, leading to misdirected transmit light and reduced effectiveness in detecting reflected light, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of range information determination.
Innovation Solution
The alignment of the fast-axis collimating lens relative to the light emitter device is adjusted to ensure proper direction and focus of the transmit light, using non-zero angles and adhesives to fix the lens in place, combined with optimized lens shapes and configurations to match the light detector's geometry, enhancing beam alignment and detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fast-axis collimating lens is aligned at a zero angle with the reference plane, then the alignment process is simpler, but the transmit light is misdirected and detection effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the alignment parameter from zero angle to a non-zero angle (specifically 5-15 degrees) to optimize the optical path. This parameter change ensures that the collimated light from the FAC lens properly reaches the transmit lens and that reflected light correctly enters the receive lens, thereby improving detection effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the FAC lens at a specific non-zero angle during assembly. This preliminary angular positioning ensures that subsequent optical alignment operations are more effective and that the system achieves optimal performance without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
2Device complexity
If the FAC lens is improperly aligned, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transmit light direction is incorrect and range information accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the angular parameter of the FAC lens (setting it at 5-15 degrees relative to the reference plane) to achieve proper light path geometry. This parameter optimization ensures accurate range information measurement while avoiding the need for complex alignment mechanisms, thus maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a fixed angular configuration of the FAC lens. By establishing a predetermined non-zero angle during manufacturing, the system eliminates the need for complex adjustable mechanical alignment systems while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Productivity
If the FAC lens is aligned at a non-zero angle with proper optimization, then the beam alignment and detection efficiency are enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an optimized angular range (5-15 degrees) for the FAC lens rather than requiring exact precision at a single angle. This parameter range approach maintains high detection efficiency while providing a tolerance window that reduces manufacturing precision requirements, making the system more practical for production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing alignment optimization only at critical stages (FAC lens positioning) rather than requiring perfect precision throughout the entire manufacturing process. This focused approach achieves high detection efficiency without demanding excessive precision across all manufacturing operations.
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 improves the alignment and focus of transmit light, allowing for better detection of reflected light, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing the likelihood of photodetector saturation, thereby enhancing the accuracy and range of LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fast axis collimation (FAC) lens optically coupled to the light emitter device
Implementation Method 2
a transmit lens optically coupled to the FAC lens
Implementation Method 3
a receive lens and a light detector optically coupled to the receive lens
Implementation Method 4
a light detector optically coupled to the receive lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to optical systems and related methods of their use. An example optical system includes a transmitter. The transmitter includes a light emitter device configured to emit emission light. The light emitter device defines a reference plane. The transmitter also includes a fast axis collimation (FAC) lens optically coupled to the light emitter device. A lens axis of the FAC lens is arranged at a non-zero angle with respect to the reference plane. The transmitter also includes a transmit lens optically coupled to the FAC lens. The optical system also includes a receiver. The receiver includes a receive lens and a light detector optically coupled to the receive lens.