LiDAR Chip Polarization Splitting for Accurate Focal Plane Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional all-solid-state LiDAR using focal plane switch arrays are limited by single-polarization detection, leading to reduced detection range and accuracy due to the loss of polarization information.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR chip incorporating dual-polarization grating couplers and phase-change material optical switches in a focal plane switch array transmitter, enabling polarization-insensitive detection by controlling optical paths with fast switching and low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single-polarization detection is used in focal plane switch array LiDAR, then device complexity is reduced, but detection range and accuracy deteriorate due to loss of polarization information
Solution Approach 1:
The grating coupler array is designed to support both TE and TM polarization modes simultaneously, allowing the same optical path to handle multiple polarization states. This multi-functionality enables the system to receive and process reflection light from both polarization states without requiring separate detection paths, thereby improving detection accuracy while avoiding proportional increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the polarization parameter by using dual-polarization grating couplers that can couple light for both TE and TM modes. This parameter change allows the receiver to detect reflection light containing both polarization states, effectively doubling the information captured from targets and improving detection range and accuracy
2Speed
If phase-change material optical switches are used for beam scanning, then switching speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-change material optical switches utilize periodic phase transitions between crystalline and amorphous states to control light transmission. By applying periodic optical or electrical pulses to induce these phase changes, the system achieves fast switching speeds while managing power consumption through pulsed rather than continuous energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits phase transitions of phase-change materials (such as GST - germanium antimony telluride) between crystalline and amorphous states to control optical transmission. These phase transitions enable rapid switching of light paths for beam scanning, providing high-speed operation with relatively low energy consumption compared to alternative switching mechanisms
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
Enhances detection range and accuracy by processing both TE and TM polarization states, achieving large-angle, high-resolution beam scanning with reduced device size and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an optical splitter, a beam splitter, a receiver and a transmitter... The LiDAR chip receives a laser signal, outputs measurement light to the focal plane switch array transmitter by means of the optical splitter, and outputs local oscillation light to the receiver by means of the optical splitter
Implementation Method 2
the grating coupler array is connected to the optical splitter by means of the optical switch array... the optical switch array introduces the measurement light into a corresponding grating coupler in the grating coupler array by means of a corresponding optical switch, and the measurement light is then emitted by means of the grating coupler
Implementation Method 3
A reflection echo received by the grating coupler is subjected to polarization splitting by means of the beam splitter and is then transmitted to the receiver... the grating couplers are dual-polarization grating couplers
Implementation Method 4
A LiDAR chip incorporating dual-polarization grating couplers and phase-change material optical switches in a focal plane switch array transmitter, enabling polarization-insensitive detection by controlling optical paths with fast switching and low power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR chip includes an optical splitter, a beam splitter, a receiver and a transmitter, the transmitter includes an optical switch array and a grating coupler array, the grating coupler array is connected to the optical splitter and the receiver through the optical switch array and the beam splitter respectively. The optical splitter is connected to the receiver, and the beam splitter is connected to the optical splitter. The LiDAR chip through the optical splitter and outputs measurement light and local oscillation light to the transmitter and receiver respectively; by means of a corresponding optical switch, the optical switch array introduces into a corresponding grating coupler in the grating coupler array the measurement light which is then emitted by means of said grating coupler; a reflection echo received by a grating coupler is subjected to polarization splitting by means of the beam splitter and is then transmitted to the receiver.