LiDAR Transmitter With Light Modulator for Reduced-Gap Beam Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR transmitters using multi-junction laser diodes face reduced power density due to gaps between emitting regions, which affects the overall output beam performance.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter design incorporating a light modulator that combines laser beams from multiple multi-junction PLDs with interleaved emitting regions and gaps, using a transparent substrate and light reflection elements to minimize gaps in the combined beam without increasing beam diameter or BPP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multi junction laser diodes are used to combine power from multiple laser diodes, then the output power requirement is met, but the gaps between emitting regions reduce the overall power density for the output beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser source into multiple separate laser diodes arranged in an array, each with its own emitting region. By spacing them apart and using optical elements to combine their beams, the invention avoids the gap problems inherent in multi-junction lasers while maintaining high power output through the aggregation of multiple individual sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries including lens arrays, mirror arrays, and beam combining optics positioned between the laser diodes and the target. These intermediary elements collect, collimate, and combine the beams from multiple laser diodes to produce a unified high-power-density output beam, effectively mediating the transition from distributed sources to concentrated output
2Power
If multiple laser diodes are combined to meet output power requirements, then sufficient power is achieved, but the number of laser diodes increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser diodes into a unified optical system using beam combining optics. The lens array and mirror array integrate the outputs of multiple individual laser diodes into a single combined beam, effectively merging separate sources into one functional unit that delivers high power while managing system complexity through optical integration
3Ease of manufacture
If gaps exist between emitting regions in multi junction laser diodes, then manufacturing is simplified, but the overall power density for the output beam is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical intermediaries (lens arrays, mirror arrays, beam combining optics) to bridge the gaps between emitting regions. These intermediaries collect light from each emitting region and redirect it to overlap in the far field, effectively mediating the transition from spaced-apart sources to a continuous high-density beam, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high power density
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
Enhances the power density of the combined laser beam by interleaving light from multiple sources, maintaining beam quality and reducing gaps, thereby improving LiDAR performance.
Implementation Method 1
a light modulator that combines laser beams from multiple multi-junction PLDs with interleaved emitting regions and gaps, using a transparent substrate and light reflection elements to minimize gaps in the combined beam
Implementation Method 2
a diffractive optical element (DOE) layer on the transparent substrate and comprising at least three interleaved patterns configured to selectively pass and reflect each of the at least three native laser beams
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is provided. The transmitter includes a plurality of laser sources and a light modulator. Each of the laser sources includes interleaved emitting regions and gaps and is configured to provide a native laser beam in a respective incident direction. The light modulator is configured to receive the native laser beams from the plurality of laser sources in different incident directions and combine the native laser beams into a combined laser beam in a diffraction direction.