LiDAR Receiving System with PICB Optical Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems face challenges in detecting distant objects with low reflectivity due to low light energy reception, necessitating large amplification components that increase system size.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a photonic integrated circuit board (PICB) with a light guiding assembly and optical amplifier, utilizing etched optical waveguides and focusing lenses to amplify and guide light signals efficiently, reducing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many amplification circuit components or beam shaping components are used to amplify light energy, then the receiving performance of the LiDAR is improved, but the size of the LiDAR becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical amplifier with the photonic integrated circuit board, merging multiple optical components into a unified integrated structure. This combination allows the amplification function to be incorporated without adding separate discrete components, thereby improving receiving performance while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional discrete component layout to a planar integrated circuit architecture. By moving to a two-dimensional integrated layout on the photonic circuit board, the system achieves high functionality in a reduced volumetric footprint, resolving the contradiction between performance and size.
2Measurement precision
If the object is far away or has low reflectivity, then the light energy reflected back to the LiDAR is low, but the detection distance and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplifier modifies the energy parameters of the received light signal by providing optical gain. This parameter change amplifies the weak reflected light from distant or low-reflectivity objects, enabling sufficient signal strength for accurate detection without compromising detection accuracy.
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 LiDAR design enhances detection range and accuracy by amplifying light energy while maintaining a small form factor.
Implementation Method 1
an optical amplifier 3 integrated on a side of the PICB 4 away from the substrate 1. The input coupling grating 21 is configurated for receiving and coupling a first optical signal L1 into the first optical waveguide 20, and the first optical waveguide 20 is configurated for transmitting the first optical signal L1 to the optical amplifier 3. The optical amplifier 3 is configurated for receiving the first optical signal L1 emitted from the first optical waveguide 20 and amplifying the first optical signal L1 into a second optical signal L2, and the light intensity of the second optical signal L2 is greater than the light intensity of the first optical signal L1.
Implementation Method 2
The input coupling grating 21 is configurated for receiving and coupling a first optical signal L1 into the first optical waveguide 20
Implementation Method 3
The second optical waveguide 23 is configurated for transmitting the second optical signal L2 to the output coupling grating 25, and the output coupling grating 25 is configurated for coupling the second optical signal L2 for transmission.
Implementation Method 4
a focusing lens 40 on the PICB 4. The focusing lens 40 is configurated for receiving the second optical signal L2 emitted from the output coupling grating 25 and focusing the second optical signal L2 onto the photoelectric conversion device 5.
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR receiving system includes a substrate, a photonic integrated circuit board (PICB) on the substrate, a light guiding assembly and an optical amplifier each integrated on the PICB, and a photoelectric conversion device. The light guiding assembly includes an input coupling grating, a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide and an output coupling grating. The input coupling grating is configurated for coupling a first optical signal into the first optical waveguide, the first optical waveguide is configurated for transmitting the first optical signal, the optical amplifier is configurated for amplifying the first optical signal into a second optical signal, the second optical waveguide is configurated for transmitting the second optical signal to the output coupling grating, and the photoelectric conversion device is configurated for converting the second optical signal into an electrical signal.