Lidar Signal Chirp Control via Segmented Phase Differential Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems require long delay waveguides to achieve accurate frequency monitoring and tuning, which occupy excessive space and result in signal loss, compromising the quality of the chirp signal.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple phase differential generators that combine light signals with phase differences to generate beating control signals, allowing for the modification of the light source control signal based on baseline crossings, thereby enhancing the frequency chirp resolution without the need for lengthy delay waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If long delay waveguides are used to achieve accurate frequency monitoring and tuning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single long delay waveguide into multiple shorter delay waveguides with different length differences. Each shorter waveguide segment performs a portion of the frequency monitoring function, collectively achieving the same measurement precision as a single long waveguide would provide, while occupying significantly less space.
2Measurement precision
If long delay waveguides are used to achieve accurate frequency monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the long delay waveguide into multiple shorter waveguides, the total propagation distance is reduced. Since signal loss accumulates with distance, the shorter individual waveguide segments result in less cumulative signal loss while maintaining the necessary frequency monitoring precision through their combined different length differences.
3Loss of energy
If the length of delay waveguides is reduced to minimize signal loss, then loss of energy is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using multiple shorter delay waveguides with specifically designed different length differences. The segmentation allows each waveguide to be short enough to minimize signal loss, while the collective arrangement of multiple segments with varying length differences maintains the measurement precision required for accurate chirp quality monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple shorter delay waveguides with different length differences are combined to achieve the same measurement precision as a single long waveguide. The merging of these segmented components restores the functional capability of long waveguides while avoiding their drawbacks of high signal loss and excessive space occupation.
4Measurement precision
If multiple phase differential generators are used to generate beating control signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency monitoring function across multiple phase differential generators, each processing a specific wavelength band. This segmentation enables precise frequency chirp resolution across different spectral regions while keeping each individual generator relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple phase differential generators are designed to perform the same core function of generating beating control signals, but each is optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This multi-functional approach improves overall measurement precision across the full spectral range while maintaining modular simplicity in each generator unit.
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 reliability of the frequency chirp of LIDAR system output signals by increasing the frequency of baseline crossings, reducing the necessity for lengthy delay waveguides and minimizing signal loss, thus optimizing space usage and signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
multiple phase differential generators that combine light signals with phase differences to generate beating control signals
Data Source
AI summary
The LIDAR system includes a light source that outputs an outgoing LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system also includes multiple phase differential generators that each combines a first light signal with a second light signal so as to generate a beating control signal. Each of the first light signals and each of the second light signals includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal. Additionally, the phase differential generators generate each of the beating control signals with a phase difference between the contribution of the first light signal to the beating control signal and the contribution of the second light signal to the beating control signal. The phase difference is different for the beating control signals from different phase differential generators. Electronics apply a light source control signal to the light source so as to chirp the frequency of the outgoing LIDAR signal. The electronics being configured to modify the light source control signal in response to changes in the frequency of the baseline crossings of the beating control signals.