Beam-Homogenized LiDAR Receiver for Wider SiPM Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photodetectors, such as silicon photomultipliers (SiPM), suffer from a small dynamic range and low detection efficiency due to the convergence of optical signals onto a small part of the photosensitive surface, leading to inefficient use of incident light.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of beam homogenization units, comprising a microlens, diffusion sheet, and beam homogenization prism with reflective coating, to diffuse incident light evenly across multiple cells within each pixel, enhancing the dynamic range and detection efficiency of the photodetector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a receiving lens converges the optical signal onto a small part of the photodetector pixel, then the optical signal is focused, but the dynamic range of the detector becomes small and detection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the concentrated optical signal into multiple beams using a beam splitting unit, distributing the light across multiple cells within a pixel. This segmentation allows the photodetector to utilize more of its photosensitive surface area, thereby increasing detection efficiency while maintaining signal concentration benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam homogenization unit that redistributes the concentrated light in a different spatial dimension - spreading it uniformly across multiple cells. This dimensional transformation converts the concentrated beam into a homogenized light distribution, expanding the effective detection area and improving dynamic range
2Illumination intensity
If a receiving lens converges the optical signal onto a small part of the photodetector pixel, then the optical signal is focused, but the dynamic range of the detector becomes small
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitting unit divides the concentrated optical signal into multiple separate beams, each directed to different cells. This segmentation increases the quantity of cells participating in detection, thereby expanding the detector's dynamic range while preserving the intensity benefits of optical concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different light distribution characteristics for different regions. The beam homogenization unit ensures that each local region (cell) receives appropriate light intensity, optimizing the overall dynamic range through localized light distribution control
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 solution significantly increases the dynamic range and detection efficiency of the photodetector by ensuring even distribution of light across the photosensitive surface, improving light utilization and reducing energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
The beam homogenization unit includes a microlens, disposed on a light-entrance surface of the beam homogenization unit; and the microlens is configured to converge the received incident light beam
Implementation Method 2
a diffusion sheet, disposed before a light-entrance surface of the beam homogenization prism, and the diffusion sheet is configured to diffuse and output the received incident light beam
Implementation Method 3
a beam homogenization prism, and a side wall of the beam homogenization prism is coated with a reflective coating, so that the received light beam is diffused to the plurality of cells
Implementation Method 4
the cell is configured to convert a received optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides an optical receiving apparatus, including a photodetector (402) and a plurality of beam homogenization units (401). The photodetector (402) includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel includes a plurality of cells, and the cell is configured to convert a received optical signal into an electrical signal. Each beam homogenization unit (401) corresponds to at least one pixel of the photodetector (402), and is configured to diffuse a received incident light beam to a plurality of cells included in the corresponding at least one pixel. The optical receiving apparatus may be applied in a light detection and ranging system. The apparatus increases dynamic ranges of the detector and the light detection and ranging system, and improves detection efficiency.