Lidar Optical Fiber Array for Fewer Detectors at High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash lidars require a large number of detectors to achieve high spatial resolution, leading to increased size and cost, which is a challenge in reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing an optical fiber array and detector array, where echo optical signals are received in a time division manner, reducing the number of detectors needed while maintaining detection accuracy through a planar-array-based laser array that emits laser beams in batches, and an optical fiber array that connects multiple input ports to fewer output ports using fused biconical taper technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large quantity of detectors are added to achieve high spatial resolution, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the cost and size of the lidar increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into multiple time slots, segmenting the reception of echo optical signals from different spatial positions. Instead of using multiple detectors simultaneously, the system uses a single detector to sequentially receive signals from M×N different spatial positions across M time slots, with each time slot handling N signals from N optical fiber ports. This temporal segmentation replaces spatial multiplication of detectors, achieving the same M×N spatial resolution with only N detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic reception of echo optical signals, where a single detector cyclically receives signals from different optical fiber ports across multiple time slots. The detector operates in a periodic manner, switching between N different optical fiber ports over M time slots to capture M×N total signals. This periodic action allows one detector to perform the work of M×N detectors by systematically cycling through different spatial positions at different times.
2Measurement precision
If a large quantity of detectors are added to achieve high spatial resolution, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the size of the detectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task temporally rather than spatially. Instead of deploying N detectors simultaneously to achieve N spatial resolution, the system uses one detector sequentially across M time slots, with each slot handling N signals from N optical fiber ports. This reduces the detector array size from M×N detectors to just N detectors, significantly reducing the physical area required while maintaining the same spatial resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling where a single detector cycles through N different optical fiber ports over M time slots. This periodic reception pattern allows one compact detector to capture M×N spatial information points sequentially, replacing what would otherwise require M×N detectors arranged in a large array, thus dramatically reducing the detector area from proportional to M×N to proportional to N only.
3Measurement precision
If a large quantity of detectors are added to achieve high spatial resolution, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the cost of the lidar increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function across time rather than requiring simultaneous parallel detection channels. By dividing the M×N detection task into M time slots with N channels per slot, the system reduces the total detector count from M×N to N, directly lowering component costs. The optical fiber array maintains M×N input ports for full spatial coverage, but the detector array only needs N elements, making the system more cost-effective while preserving spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic reception scheme allows the system to use N detectors repeatedly across M time slots to achieve M×N spatial resolution. This temporal multiplexing reduces the detector quantity by a factor of M compared to simultaneous detection, directly reducing component costs, assembly complexity, and overall system price while maintaining the same spatial sampling density and resolution capability.
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 reduces the number of detectors required, minimizing costs while maintaining high spatial resolution and detection precision, and allows for a higher scanning frequency without mechanical motion, enhancing the stability and reliability of the lidar system.
Implementation Method 1
An optical fiber input end of the optical fiber array includes M×N optical fiber ports, an optical fiber output end of the optical fiber array includes N optical fiber ports
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber array that connects multiple input ports to fewer output ports using fused biconical taper technology
Implementation Method 3
the N optical fiber ports at the optical fiber output end one-to-one correspond to the N detectors, and both M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system, a lidar, and a terminal device are described which, reduce a quantity of detectors required by the detection system and reduce manufacturing costs. The detection system includes an optical fiber array and a detector array. In the optical fiber array and the detector array, an optical fiber input end of the optical fiber array includes M×N optical fiber ports, an optical fiber output end of the optical fiber array includes N optical fiber ports, the detector array includes N detectors, the N optical fiber ports at the optical fiber output end one-to-one correspond to the N detectors, and both M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2.