Lidar Beam Splitting for Extended Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser detection and ranging systems have limited effective range due to output power constraints of their laser light sources and the need for a wide field-of-view, which restricts their ability to measure target characteristics over long distances efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a beam forming element that splits the light beam into multiple non-contiguous beamlets, concentrating light intensity on specific areas of the target, allowing for enhanced measurement of target characteristics over longer distances without illuminating the entire field-of-view, thereby increasing operational efficiency and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the laser beam is transmitted over a wide field-of-view to cover large areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the light intensity per unit area decreases, limiting the effective range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser beam into multiple discrete beamlets using a beam forming element (such as a holographic element or diffractive optical element). Each beamlet is directed toward a different spatial location within the field-of-view, allowing the system to cover a wide area while maintaining high light intensity at each individual beamlet location. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both wide coverage and concentrated intensity through spatial distribution of multiple beamlets.
2Length of stationary object
If the laser output power is increased to extend the effective range, then the measurement distance is improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the laser energy into multiple focused beamlets rather than distributing it uniformly. Each beamlet delivers high local intensity to specific points on the target, enabling long-range detection without requiring excessive total power. The beam forming element creates regions of high intensity (at beamlet locations) against a dark background, achieving extended range while maintaining energy efficiency through localized energy concentration.
3Illumination intensity
If the laser beam is concentrated into a single beam to maximize intensity, then the light intensity on target is improved, but the field-of-view coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional beam to a multi-dimensional beamlet structure. The beam forming element spatially distributes the laser energy across multiple dimensions, creating an array of beamlets that cover a two-dimensional field-of-view. Each beamlet maintains the intensity characteristics of a concentrated beam, while the collective array provides wide area coverage, effectively adding spatial dimensionality to resolve the contradiction between intensity and coverage.
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 laser detection and ranging systems to achieve a significantly increased effective range, from approximately two kilometers to over ten kilometers, while maintaining energy efficiency and operational effectiveness with limited laser light sources.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs a beam forming element that splits the light beam into multiple non-contiguous beamlets, concentrating light intensity on specific areas of the target
Implementation Method 2
Lasers used to generate the light beam produce a coherent beam of monochromatic light
Implementation Method 3
receiving the transmitted light energy reflected from the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a laser detection and ranging system includes a beam forming element that is optically coupled to a light source. The light source generates a light beam that is split by the beam forming element into multiple beamlets and directed toward a target. At least one of the beamlets are reflected from the target as backscattered light that is received by a detector that generates a signal indicative of a characteristic of the target.