Single Source Multi-Beam Splitter for LiDAR Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems face challenges in efficiently scanning environments with multiple beams from a single source, as they often require complex mechanical systems and struggle to maintain precise beam control and intensity uniformity, leading to limitations in scanning density and range.
Innovation Solution
A single source, multi-beam (SSMB) splitter is used to generate multiple laser beams from a single source, employing a prism structure with controlled wedge angles and beam intensity equalizing portions to ensure each beam has the same intensity and converges at a common point, allowing for precise control of exit angles and inter-beam angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple beams are generated from a single source using conventional beam splitters, then the scanning density and range are improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of maintaining beam intensity uniformity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single input beam into multiple separate output beams (e.g., 4 beams) using a beam splitter assembly with multiple beam splitters arranged at specific angles. This segmentation allows the LiDAR system to scan multiple directions simultaneously, improving scanning density without requiring multiple independent laser sources, thus avoiding the complexity of synchronizing multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple beam splitting functions into a single integrated assembly where several beam splitters work together to generate multiple beams from one source. The beam splitter assembly merges the functions of multiple splitters into one compact unit, maintaining beam intensity uniformity through coordinated design while reducing system complexity compared to using independent beam generation systems.
2Productivity
If multiple beams are generated from a single source, then the scanning range is improved, but maintaining precise beam control and intensity uniformity becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the beam splitter assembly. Each beam splitter is positioned and oriented with specific local characteristics (angles, orientations) to control the direction and intensity of individual output beams. This local quality approach ensures that each beam maintains precise control and uniform intensity despite being part of a multi-beam system, allowing extended scanning range without sacrificing beam control precision.
3Measurement precision
If a prism structure with wedge angles is used to control beam exit angles, then the convergence at a common point is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a prism structure with specific wedge angles to control the exit angles of multiple beams. By carefully selecting and adjusting the wedge angle parameters of the prism, the system achieves precise convergence of all beams at a common focal point. This parameter change approach allows control of beam convergence through geometric parameters rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on all surfaces, thereby improving convergence precision while managing manufacturing complexity.
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 enables efficient scanning with multiple beams of uniform intensity, improving scanning density and range without increasing system complexity, allowing for precise control of beam angles and convergence points, thus enhancing the LiDAR system's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a prism structure that includes a beam injection portion for receiving a light beam at an angle of incidence (AOI); a first planar surface arranged at a first relative angle; and a second planar surface arrange at a second relative angle that differs from the first relative angle by a wedge angle
Implementation Method 2
The wedge splitter includes a plurality of beam intensity equalizing portions disposed on the prism structure, wherein the prism structure emits a plurality of output beams that are derived from the received light beam via the plurality of beam intensity equalizing portions
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of beam intensity equalizing portions control a respective reflectivity/transmissivity ratio to ensure that each of the plurality output beams has a substantially similar intensity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments discussed herein refer to generating multiple laser beams from a single beam source. Single source multi-beam splitters can produce multiple beams from a single source, precisely control the exit angle of each beam, and ensure that each beam has substantially the same intensity.