LiDAR Antenna Array Phase Steering via Refractive Index Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LiDAR technologies face challenges in achieving cost-effective and efficient 2D beam steering, particularly due to the need for expensive tunable laser sources and complex control circuitry.

Innovation Solution

A solid state LiDAR antenna array is developed, utilizing a plurality of linear antenna arrays with waveguides and control elements that induce a change in refractive index, allowing for 2D beam steering using a single wavelength incident light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wavelength tuning is used for 2D beam steering, then steering capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring tunable laser sources and complex control circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the waveguide into multiple discrete antenna elements, each capable of independent phase control. This segmentation allows 2D beam steering to be achieved by controlling the phase of individual elements rather than requiring complex wavelength tuning of the entire system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining steering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the control parameter from wavelength tuning to phase modulation. By using phase shifters to adjust the phase of light at each antenna element rather than changing the wavelength, the system achieves beam steering with simpler control circuitry and without requiring tunable laser sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical moving parts are used in LiDAR, then steering adaptability is achieved, but scanning speed decreases and device reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical moving parts with a solid-state antenna array system. Instead of using mechanical scanners to steer the beam, the system uses electronic phase control of multiple antenna elements to achieve beam steering, thereby eliminating mechanical components and improving reliability and device lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If 2D array with many antennas is used for wavelength scanning method, then steering precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes from wavelength scanning to phase modulation at a fixed wavelength. This allows 2D beam steering to be achieved with a single-wavelength laser source and phase shifters, significantly reducing the number of components needed compared to wavelength scanning methods, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining steering precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 2D beam steering without the need for tunable laser sources or complex control circuitry, reducing costs and enhancing the practicality of LiDAR technology for economic products.

Implementation Method 1

a control element (400, 402, 404), adjacent to the waveguide, arranged to induce a change in refractive index along at least a part of the length of the waveguide and in at least a part of the thickness of the waveguide, wherein the change in refractive index in the waveguide causes a phase shift in light emitted via each of the plurality of antenna elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

heat is applied by a heater element located juxtaposed to the portion of the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

a voltage is applied via a pair of doped regions (400, 402) located on either side of the portion of the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS12313786B2Light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) devices and the like

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 ADVANCED MICRO FOUNDRY PTE LTD

AI summary

An antenna or antenna array for a steerable light beam, the antenna array comprising a plurality of linear antenna arrays (100), each linear antenna array comprising: a plurality of antenna elements (104); a waveguide (102) supporting the antenna elements having a length and a thickness; and a control element (400, 402, 404), adjacent to the waveguide, arranged to induce a change in refractive index along at least a part of the length of the waveguide and in at least a part of the thickness of the waveguide, wherein the change in refractive index in the waveguide causes a phase shift in light emitted via each of the plurality of antenna elements.