Integrated LIDAR Transceiver Using Optical Phased Array

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LIDAR systems are bulky and costly due to the need for accurate alignment of moving parts, which complicates their use in applications like autonomous driving and robotics.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an optical phased array (OPA) and a large area optical detector on a single IC chip or multi-chip module, allowing for steerable laser beams and fixed positioning of components, reducing the need for mechanical alignment and calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional LIDAR systems use rotating mirrors and separate components, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but system size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem size and mechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the laser source, optical phased array, and photodetector onto a single integrated circuit chip. This merging of previously separate components eliminates the need for rotating mirrors and mechanical alignment systems, directly reducing system size and complexity while maintaining distance measurement capability through optical phase modulation techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mirror system with an optical phased array that uses phase modulation to steer the laser beam. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical alignment requirements, reducing device complexity while achieving the same beam steering function through electrical control of optical phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional LIDAR systems use rotating mirrors requiring accurate alignment, then beam steering is achieved, but manufacturing cost and system reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and alignment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mirror system with an optical phased array that uses phase modulation to steer the laser beam. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical alignment requirements, reducing device complexity while achieving the same beam steering function through electrical control of optical phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic phase modulation of the optical signals in the phased array to achieve beam steering without mechanical movement. By dynamically adjusting the phase of individual optical elements, the system can electronically steer the beam in different directions, eliminating the need for mechanical alignment and rotating components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional LIDAR systems use separate components, then functional capability is achieved, but integration and calibration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidintegration and calibration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the laser source, optical phased array, and photodetector onto a single integrated circuit chip. This merging of previously separate components eliminates the need for rotating mirrors and mechanical alignment systems, directly reducing system size and complexity while maintaining distance measurement capability through optical phase modulation techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit chip performs multiple functions: it generates the laser light, modulates the optical phase for beam steering, and detects the reflected light for distance measurement. This multi-functionality on a single platform reduces the number of separate components and interfaces, simplifying integration and calibration while maintaining full LIDAR functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach results in a compact, low-cost solid-state LIDAR system capable of accurately measuring distances with reduced mechanical complexity and increased reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an optical phased array to steer optical signals from the optical signal source in two dimensions (2D)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

a photodetector integrated in the chip, the photodetector including a normal incidence photodetector portion and a waveguide photodetector portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11639997B2Integrated optical transmitter and receiver

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Technology for light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor can include an optical signal source, an optical modulation array and optical detector on the same integrated circuit (IC) chip, multi-chip module (MCM) or similar solid-state package.