LiDAR Laser Pumping Layout for Compact High-Energy Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art lasers do not meet the ideal laser optical characteristics required for mobile three-dimensional LiDAR applications, such as short pulse width, high repetition rate, good beam quality, sufficient pulse energy for long distances, and compactness, while being cost-effective and suitable for automated manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A laser device comprising a laser oscillator, a laser beam amplifier, and a pumping unit, where a single pumping source is used to emit and amplify a pulsed laser beam, with the pumping unit transmitting the pumping beam in both directions to collinearly pump the oscillator and amplifier, utilizing vanadate-based host crystals and polarization management to maintain reflective and transmission properties independent of temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pumping source is used to pump both the laser oscillator and amplifier, then device complexity is reduced, but achieving ideal laser optical characteristics (short pulse width, high repetition rate, good beam quality, sufficient pulse energy) becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pumping function by using a single pumping source that is optically coupled to both the laser oscillator and amplifier through free space, allowing independent optimization of each laser component while sharing the pumping source, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The single pumping source serves multiple functions by simultaneously pumping both the laser oscillator and amplifier through optical coupling in free space, eliminating the need for separate pumping sources and reducing device complexity while achieving ideal laser characteristics
2Volume of moving object
If the laser is made very compact for mobile LiDAR applications, then adaptability to mobile platforms is improved, but achieving sufficient pulse energy for long distance ranging becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The laser oscillator and amplifier are arranged in a nested configuration where the oscillator is positioned within or adjacent to the amplifier structure, allowing compact integration while maintaining the necessary optical path length for energy accumulation and delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes free space optical coupling between the pumping source, oscillator, and amplifier, transitioning from traditional planar integration to three-dimensional spatial arrangement, enabling compact footprint while maintaining sufficient optical path for high pulse energy output
3Ease of manufacture
If automated manufacturing and low cost are prioritized, then ease of manufacture is improved, but achieving ideal laser optical characteristics becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is segmented into modular components (pumping source, oscillator, amplifier) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, facilitating automated manufacturing while maintaining the ability to optimize each component for ideal optical characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses free space optical coupling instead of fixed waveguide structures, allowing for easier alignment and parameter optimization during manufacturing while maintaining ideal laser characteristics through adjustable optical paths
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 achieves compact, high-power laser performance with short pulse widths, high repetition rates, and good beam quality, suitable for long-range LiDAR applications, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and suitability for automated manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a laser oscillator (30) configured for emitting a pulsed laser beam (B4) when optically pumped at a pumping wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a laser beam amplifier (9) disposed on the laser beam path and configured to amplify the laser beam (B4) when the laser beam amplifier (9) is optically pumped at the pumping wavelength
Implementation Method 3
send the pumping beam for pumping the laser oscillator (30) in the opposite direction (X2) to the laser direction, and transmit a part of the pumping beam which is reflected by the laser oscillator (30) for pumping the laser beam amplifier (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A laser device for laser detection and ranging (LiDAR), comprising:a laser oscillator configured for emitting a pulsed laser beam,a laser beam amplifier disposed on the laser beam path,a pumping unit disposed between the laser oscillator and the laser beam amplifier and configured to, when receiving an incoming continuous pumping beam having the pumping wavelength,transmit the laser beam along the laser direction;send the pumping beam for pumping the laser oscillator in the opposite direction to the laser direction, andtransmit a reflected part of the pumping beam for pumping the laser beam amplifier, in the laser direction.