Lidar Light Source Using EEL Array and Cylindrical Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lidar technologies face limitations in achieving long-range detection due to high power requirements, inconsistent emission, and heat dissipation issues, particularly with semi-solid-state lidars using high-power edge-emitting lasers.
Innovation Solution
An array of edge-emitting lasers (EELs) with shared cathodes or anodes, combined with a cylindrical lens to collimate and fuse light beams into a uniform beam, reducing power requirements and improving consistency and reliability, while minimizing heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single high-power EEL is used, then the detection range is extended, but heat dissipation problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high-power EEL into multiple lower-power EELs arranged in an array configuration. Each EEL operates at reduced power levels, generating less heat individually, while their combined output achieves the required detection range. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing the thermal load across multiple components rather than concentrating it in one high-power source.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple EELs are used, then the detection range is extended, but emission consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output beams from multiple EELs through optical combining techniques, including beam fusion and phase synchronization. By integrating the emissions from individual EELs into a unified coherent beam, the system maintains emission consistency and reliability while achieving extended detection range through the combined output of multiple laser sources.
3Length of stationary object
If high power is used, then the detection range is extended, but the power supply requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total power requirement into multiple smaller power units, each supplying a separate EEL in the array. This approach reduces the peak power demand on the power supply system compared to a single high-power source, while the cumulative output of all EELs achieves the necessary detection range. The segmented power distribution also improves power supply reliability and heat management.
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
The solution enables a lidar light source with enhanced consistency, reliability, and reduced power consumption, facilitating longer-range detection without the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The cylindrical lens is configured to collimate light beams emitted from the array of EELs in a fast axis direction
Implementation Method 2
fuse the light beams emitted through the light emitting ports into a uniform light beam on a target surface
Implementation Method 3
Light beams are collimated and diffused through a cylindrical lens
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar light source includes an array of edge-emitting lasers (EELs) and a cylindrical lens. Each of the EELs includes an active region. Light emitting ports of the plurality of active regions are disposed adjacent to each other. The plurality of active regions share a cathode and include separate anodes, or share an anode and include separate cathodes. The cylindrical lens is configured to collimate light beams emitted from the array of EELs in a fast axis direction, and fuse the light beams emitted through the light emitting ports into a uniform light beam on a target surface.