LIDAR Detection Signal Method Using Nonlinear 3-Wave Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR macro-scanners face challenges with low signal-to-noise ratio and eye safety due to large detector arrays and complex wavelength filters, which limit their flexibility and increase installation space.
Innovation Solution
A method using a first and second light beam generated through optical non-linear 3-wave processes, where the second beam is used as a reference to determine object distance based on time difference, allowing for smaller detectors and simpler filters, enhancing sensitivity and eye safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large detector arrays are used in LIDAR macro-scanners to detect sufficient light, then the signal detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light beam from visible range to infrared range (specifically 1550 nm). This parameter change enables the use of simpler detection methods and reduces the complexity of detector arrays while maintaining signal detection capability, as infrared detectors can be simpler and more compact than visible light detector arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical filtering mechanisms with wavelength-selective light sources. Instead of using complex narrowband filters to separate signals, the system uses laser sources that naturally emit at specific wavelengths (1550 nm), eliminating the need for complex mechanical or optical filtering systems
2Reliability
If narrowband filters are used to reduce optical noise power, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical filtering mechanisms with wavelength-selective light sources. Instead of using complex narrowband filters to separate signals, the system uses laser sources that naturally emit at specific wavelengths (1550 nm), eliminating the need for complex mechanical or optical filtering systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the narrowband filter component from the system entirely. By using wavelength-specific laser sources, the system eliminates the need for complex filtering mechanisms, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining signal-to-noise ratio through wavelength selectivity
3Reliability
If visible light wavelengths (400-700 nm) are used for LIDAR scanning, then the detection capability is improved, but the eye safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from visible range (400-700 nm) to infrared range (specifically 1550 nm). This parameter change maintains detection capability while significantly improving eye safety, as the human eye is less sensitive to infrared wavelengths and the cornea absorbs this wavelength before it reaches the retina, reducing potential damage
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 eye safety, increases sensitivity, and reduces installation space by using smaller detectors and omitting costly narrowband filters, while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first and one second light beam including different frequencies being generated with the aid of a first optical non-linear 3-wave process from a light beam of a light source including an output frequency
Implementation Method 2
the light beam including the output frequency and the second light beam including the object frequency being superposed
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a detection-signal for objects to be detected—at least a first and second light-beam including different frequencies being generated with a first optical non-linear 3-wave-process from a light-beam of a light-source including an output-frequency, and the first light-beam including a reference-frequency being detected, and the second light-beam including an object-frequency being emitted and received after reflection on an object, and the light-beam including the output-frequency and the second light-beam including the object-frequency being superposed, and a reference-beam including a reference-frequency being generated with a second optical non-linear 3-wave-process from the two superposed light-beams including the output-frequency and including the object-frequency, and a detection-signal being generated so that the object-distance is determinable due to the aforementioned superposition based on the time-difference between the detection of the first light-beam including the reference-frequency and a detection of a change of the reference-beam including the reference-frequency.