LiDAR Optical Phased Array Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems using optical phased arrays face challenges in achieving a precise beam profile due to errors between channels, leading to suboptimal signal-to-noise ratios and scanning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system that includes a processor to analyze detected light, calculate correction values for driving signals applied to an optical phased array, and adjust these signals in real time to correct errors, thereby optimizing the beam profile and improving signal-to-noise ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an optical phased array is used to steer light in a LiDAR system, then the scanning speed and non-mechanical steering capability are improved, but errors between channels cause degradation in beam profile precision and signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor analyzes light detected by the light detector, calculates correction values for driving signals applied to the optical phased array channels, and adjusts these signals to correct errors. This closed-loop feedback system continuously optimizes the beam profile by compensating for channel errors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving the fast scanning capability of the optical phased array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the driving signals applied to each channel of the optical phased array. By calculating correction values and adjusting signal parameters such as phase and amplitude, the system optimizes the beam profile and compensates for channel errors, resolving the contradiction between scanning speed and beam profile precision
2Reliability
If correction values are calculated and driving signals are adjusted in real time, then beam profile quality and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but system complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor in the LiDAR system performs multiple functions: it controls the beam steering device, analyzes detected light, calculates correction values, and adjusts driving signals. By consolidating these functions into a single processing unit, the system improves beam profile quality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by automatically analyzing its own detected light and calculating correction values for its driving signals. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain high reliability through real-time optimization without requiring additional external correction devices, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
3Measurement precision
If optimization operation is performed continuously during scanning, then scanning accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization operation is performed periodically rather than continuously during scanning. The processor calculates correction values and adjusts driving signals at specific intervals or at predetermined points during the scanning process, maintaining scanning accuracy while reducing continuous computational load and processing time requirements
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 optimization of the beam profile results in enhanced scanning accuracy and efficiency by adjusting the phase of each channel to form a desired beam profile, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and overall performance of the LiDAR system.
Implementation Method 1
light interference occurs between light emitted from different channels when there is a certain phase difference between adjacent ones of the channels
Implementation Method 2
a light detector configured to detect light steered by the beam steering device and reflected from the object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system including: a light source; a beam steering device configured to steer light emitted from the light source toward an object; a light detector configured to detect light reflected from the object; and a processor. The beam steering device may include an optical phased array, including a plurality of channels, and a signal input unit which applies a plurality of driving signals to the plurality of channels. The processor is configured to perform an optimization operation including analyzing the light detected by the light detector, calculating at least one correction value, and controlling the plurality of driving signals according to the at least one correction value, in order to correct an error of the beam steering device.