Lidar Receiver Electro-Optical Filter Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face signal loss and limited scanning speed due to gaps in detector arrays and high-speed electrical switching, which complicates design and reduces performance.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optical filter with a first polarizer, an electro-optical layer coated with patterned transparent electrodes, and a second polarizer is used to selectively change the polarization of the light beam, allowing a single detector to cover the entire field of view without the need for multiple detectors or electrical switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a detector array is used to receive returned light signals from different directions, then the field of view coverage is improved, but signal loss occurs due to gaps between sensor elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detector functions into a single detector by using an electro-optical layer with patterned transparent electrodes that can dynamically direct light from different directions to the same detector element, eliminating gaps between sensor elements and preventing signal loss while maintaining full field of view coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical layer introduces dynamic control over light routing, allowing the system to adaptively direct light signals from different angular positions to the single detector, replacing the static detector array architecture and eliminating the inherent gaps between fixed sensor elements
2Speed
If a high-speed electrical switch is used to switch signals among different sensor elements, then the scanning speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical switching mechanism with an electro-optical modulation approach, where the electro-optical layer directly modulates and directs light signals based on applied electric fields, eliminating the need for high-speed electrical switches and their associated complexity while maintaining fast response capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical layer serves as an intermediary between the incoming light signals and the detector, performing the signal routing function that previously required electrical switches, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling fast signal acquisition from multiple directions
3Device complexity
If a rotational mirror is used to deflect return light signals to a static detector, then the detector design is simplified, but the scanning speed is limited by the mechanical rotation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotational mirror with an electro-optical layer that uses electric fields to control light direction, eliminating mechanical moving parts and their speed limitations while maintaining the ability to direct light from different directions to a static detector
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from mechanical rotation angle to electrical field parameters (voltage, polarity) applied to the electro-optical layer, enabling much faster response times and scanning speeds while keeping the detector static and simplifying the overall mechanical design
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 solution reduces signal loss and enhances scanning speed, simplifying the design and improving the performance of LiDAR systems for applications like autonomous driving and high-definition mapping.
Implementation Method 1
An electric field is applied to a selected area of the electro-optical layer through the patterned transparent electrodes, and the electro-optical layer changes a portion of the light beam from the first polarization to a second polarization
Implementation Method 2
a first polarizer configured to pass the light beam of a first polarization
Implementation Method 3
a second polarizer configured to selectively pass the portion of the light beam of the second polarization
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a receiver in an optical sensing system for receiving a light beam. The receiver includes a first polarizer configured to pass the light beam of a first polarization. The receiver further includes an electro-optical layer coated with patterned transparent electrodes. An electric field is applied to a selected area of the electro-optical layer through the patterned transparent electrodes, and the electro-optical layer changes a portion of the light beam from the first polarization to a second polarization. The receiver also includes a second polarizer configured to selectively pass the portion of the light beam of the second polarization. The receiver additionally includes a detector configured to receive the portion of the light beam output from the second polarizer.