Multi-Stage LiDAR Amplification with a Single Pump Optical Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser radar devices require multiple pump light sources and optical couplers for multi-stage amplification, leading to increased cost, size, and power consumption, as well as complex design and control requirements.
Innovation Solution
A laser radar device utilizing a single signal light source and a single pump light source with a configuration of tapered and fused optical fibers and a single optical coupler to distribute pump light across multiple amplification stages, reducing the number of optical elements and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number of pump light sources increases to match the number of amplification stages, then the output of the laser radar device increases, but the price increases and the number of pump-signal optical couplers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pump light sources into a single pump light source that serves all amplification stages. This is achieved by combining the pump signal generation and distribution functions into one integrated component, reducing the total number of optical couplers needed while maintaining multi-stage amplification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump light source is designed to perform multiple functions: generating pump signals for all amplification stages and distributing them through the optical fiber network. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pump sources at each stage, reducing system complexity.
2Power
If the number of pump light sources increases as much as the number of amplification stages, then the output of the laser radar device increases, but the area of the driving board increases and the amount of input current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple driving functions into a single driving board that controls one pump light source. This consolidation reduces the required driving board area compared to having separate driving boards for multiple pump sources, while still enabling multi-stage amplification through the single pump source.
3Power
If multiple pump light sources are used for multi-stage amplification, then the amplification effect is achieved, but the number of optical elements increases leading to increased cost and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical elements into a single integrated optical fiber system. The optical fiber both transfers the pump light from the single pump source and distributes it to multiple amplification stages, reducing the total quantity of optical elements needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously: as a transfer medium for pump light and as a distribution network for multiple amplification stages. This multi-functional use reduces the overall number of optical components required in the system.
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 achieves efficient multi-stage amplification with reduced size, cost, and power consumption, while simplifying the design and control of the laser radar device.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coupler connected to the first signal optical fiber, the second signal optical fiber, and the pump optical fiber, and that distributes the pump light to the first signal optical fiber and the second signal optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the optical coupler may be configured such that the first signal optical fiber and the second signal optical fiber are tapered and fused in parallel to each other
Implementation Method 3
the first amplifier may include a first gain medium that absorbs a first portion of the pump light and amplifies the first signal light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a laser radar device, which includes a signal light source that outputs a first signal light, a pump light source that outputs a pump light, a pump optical fiber that transfers the pump light, a first signal optical fiber that transfers the first signal light, a first amplifier that receives and amplifies the first signal light from the first signal optical fiber, a second signal optical fiber that receives and transfers a second signal light from the first amplifier, the second signal light being obtained by amplifying the first signal light, a second amplifier that receives and amplifies the second signal light from the second signal optical fiber, and an optical coupler connected to the first signal optical fiber, the second signal optical fiber, and the pump optical fiber, and that distributes the pump light to the first signal optical fiber and the second signal optical fiber.