Compact LIDAR Launch Assembly with Tip-Tilt Ferrule Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in launching fiber-based laser light into free space while maintaining the ability to point the laser in a desired direction and ensuring a clear aperture for received light, which is essential for coherent LIDAR applications.
Innovation Solution
A launch assembly is developed that allows for precise adjustment and alignment of local oscillator (LO) laser light to be launched radially close to the pupil plane, providing two degrees of freedom for movement without impeding the received light, and is configured to fit within compact dimensions to satisfy mechanical and size constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the LO fiber ferrule is positioned close to the pupil plane for compact mounting, then the size constraint is satisfied, but the alignment precision and mixing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The launch assembly incorporates two degrees of freedom (tip and tilt adjustment) that allow the LO fiber ferrule position to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the ferrule to be mounted close to the pupil plane while still achieving precise alignment with the received light beam through mechanical adjustment, resolving the contradiction between compact size and alignment precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the launch assembly provides two degrees of freedom for LO light pointing adjustment, then the alignment flexibility is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented into two independent degrees of freedom: tip adjustment and tilt adjustment. This segmentation allows each degree of freedom to be implemented with simple, dedicated mechanical structures rather than a single complex mechanism, reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining alignment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip and tilt adjustment mechanisms are nested within the compact launch assembly structure. The adjustable ferrule holder is integrated into the assembly body, with adjustment mechanisms that fit within the overall compact form factor, achieving flexibility without proportionally increasing external dimensions or complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If the LO light is launched radially within less than 3 mm of the pupil plane, then the compact mounting requirement is satisfied, but the clear aperture for received light may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The launch assembly is designed with local quality optimization where the LO fiber ferrule is positioned at a specific location (less than 3 mm from the pupil plane) that is strategically chosen to minimize interference with the clear aperture. The radial launch geometry and adjustable positioning allow the LO light to be launched from a location close to the pupil plane while maintaining an unobstructed path for received light through the clear aperture.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact LIDAR pointing assembly can comprise a body, first and second ferrules, and a clip component that can be used to maintain an engagement between the first and second ferrules and an alignment of light emanating from the first and second ferrules relative to received light propagating along an optical axis of the assembly. The ferrules can be pivoted to adjust the orientation of the light emanating from the ferrules.