Integrated LIDAR Optics Layout for Compact Beam Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems are bulky and costly due to complex circuits and numerous components, which hinder their integration into compact and efficient designs for applications like autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A compact LIDAR system design featuring a micro optics assembly with reduced components, including a light source, optical isolators, collimating lenses, prisms, and optical chip assemblies, which amplify and split laser beams for enhanced functionality and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex circuits and numerous components are used in LIDAR systems, then functionality and performance are improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (collimating lens, optical isolator, beam splitting element) onto a single integrated optical chip. This integration maintains the full functionality of the LIDAR system while dramatically reducing the physical size and component count, directly resolving the contradiction between functionality and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are nested onto the optical chip in a layered configuration, with each component positioned at a specific location on the chip surface. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a compact space, achieving high functionality within a small footprint
2Reliability
If complex circuits and numerous components are used in LIDAR systems, then functionality and performance are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical components onto a single chip, the patent reduces the number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and aligned. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while preserving all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly of discrete optical components with a monolithic integrated chip structure. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical alignment and assembly steps, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
3Device complexity
If optical components are integrated onto a chip, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment and positioning mechanisms with precise lithographic patterning and deposition processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. This substitution ensures that optical components are positioned with sub-micron precision automatically during chip fabrication, meeting the high precision requirements while maintaining compact dimensions
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 compact design improves the robustness and reduces the cost of LIDAR systems while maintaining functionality, allowing for more efficient integration into vehicles and other robotic platforms.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical isolator configured to allow the beam directed by the at least one first optical component to pass through the at least one optical isolator in a first direction and to prevent light from being reflected back into the light source through the at least one optical isolator in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
an optical chip assembly configured to receive the beam after having been directed by the at least one second optical component and to emit the beam toward an object in an environment of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
the optical chip assembly is configured to amplify the beam to produce an amplified beam, split the amplified beam into a plurality of distributed beams, and emit the plurality of distributed beams toward an object
Implementation Method 4
a light source configured to emit a beam
Data Source
AI summary
A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor system for a vehicle includes a light source to emit a beam, a first optical component to direct the beam emitted by the light source, an optical isolator to allow the beam directed by the first optical component to pass through the optical isolator in a first direction and to prevent light from being reflected back into the light source through the optical isolator in a second direction, a second optical component to direct the beam after having passed through the optical isolator, an optical chip assembly including a plurality of chips to receive the beam after having been directed by the second optical component and to emit the beam toward an object in an environment of the vehicle, and a receiver to receive a reflected beam from the object.