LiDAR Scanner Unit Pixel Array Channel Shift for Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
To achieve high angular resolutions in LiDAR systems, MEMS grating switches need to be miniaturized, which complicates manufacturing and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A ranging apparatus and optical integrated circuit with pixel arrays connected by a waveguide, where the pixel arrays serve as channels, are arranged in a specific configuration to allow for higher angular resolutions without the need for pixel miniaturization, using a scanner unit with multiple channels shifted by a width smaller than the pixel pitch, combined with a light source generating chirped light and a splitting detection unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MEMS grating switches are miniaturized to achieve high angular resolutions, then angular resolution is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from miniaturizing individual pixels in one dimension to arranging multiple pixel arrays in a two-dimensional configuration with multiple channels. Each channel contains multiple pixels connected by waveguides, and channels are shifted by a width smaller than the pixel pitch. This dimensional approach allows achieving high angular resolution without reducing individual pixel size, thereby maintaining manufacturing ease and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If MEMS grating switches are miniaturized to achieve high angular resolutions, then angular resolution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing pixel size in one dimension, the patent uses multiple pixel arrays arranged in multiple channels across two dimensions. Each channel has pixels connected by waveguides, with channels shifted by less than one pixel pitch. This approach achieves high angular resolution while keeping individual pixel dimensions large enough for easy manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the scanner into multiple independent pixel arrays organized as separate channels. Each channel contains multiple pixels connected by waveguides, allowing the system to achieve high resolution through the combined output of multiple channels rather than relying on a single miniaturized pixel array.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a ranging apparatus, an optical integrated circuit, and a ranging system that allow ranging with higher angular resolutions to be carried out.Provided is a ranging apparatus including a scanner unit having pixel arrays each including a plurality of pixels connected by one waveguide, the pixels are arranged at a prescribed pitch in a first direction in the same direction as that of the waveguide, the pixel array serves as one channel, the scanner unit includes a plurality of channels, and the plurality of channels are arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, shifted between channels by a prescribed width smaller than the prescribed pitch. The present disclosure can be applied to a ranging apparatus that performs ranging for example by FMCW LiDAR.