Integrated Lidar Transceiver with 1xN Optical Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lidar technologies face challenges with high control complexity, limited scanning capability, low beam receiving efficiency, and the inability for monolithic integration of transceivers, particularly in all-solid-state scanning systems.
Innovation Solution
A lidar detection device utilizing a lens and integrated beam transceiver with a 1×N optical switch, silicon-based transceiving units, and an off-chip processor, enabling two-dimensional beam steering independent of wavelength switching, low power consumption, and high receiving efficiency, supporting both Time of Flight (ToF) and Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) ranging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical phased array technology is used for beam scanning, then continuous adjustment of beam pointing angle is achieved, but control complexity and electric power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam scanning function into discrete spatial regions by using an array of independent emitters (gratings or end-face emitters). Each emitter can be independently controlled to emit beams in specific directions, replacing the continuous phase control requirement of optical phased array with a simpler discrete switching approach that reduces control complexity while maintaining beam pointing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex phase control mechanism of optical phased array with a simpler spatial switching approach using discrete emitters. Instead of continuously adjusting phases across an array, the system uses discrete emitter activation to achieve beam steering, substituting a mechanical/electrical control problem with an optical spatial distribution solution that reduces control complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical phased array technology is used for beam scanning, then continuous adjustment of beam pointing angle is achieved, but electric power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam emission function across discrete emitters in an array, where only the active emitter(s) consume power at any given time. This contrasts with optical phased array where all elements must be powered and controlled simultaneously, significantly reducing the overall electric power consumption while maintaining the capability to adjust beam pointing angles through selective emitter activation.
3Ease of manufacture
If grating array is used for emitting and receiving optical signals on chip, then transceiving function is integrated, but coupling efficiency of returning signal to receiving grating is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional grating-based receiving approach by using end-face emitters or alternative emitter structures that can directly couple with returning signals. Instead of relying on the diffractive coupling of gratings which has low efficiency, the inverted approach uses direct optical coupling at the emitter faces, significantly improving the coupling efficiency of returning signals while maintaining integrated transceiving functionality.
4Ease of operation
If MEMS micro-mirror is used for beam scanning, then beam scanning is achieved, but steering speed is slow and mechanical fatigue leads to device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical MEMS micro-mirror system with an all-solid-state emitter array that achieves beam scanning through optical means rather than mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates mechanical fatigue and moving parts entirely, while enabling faster beam steering speeds through electronic control of emitter activation patterns, thereby resolving both the speed limitation and reliability issues of mechanical systems.
5Ease of operation
If laser array is used for beam scanning, then beam scanning is achieved, but each laser needs independent driving control and control complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent laser emitters into a single integrated emitter array structure that can be collectively controlled. Instead of requiring independent driving control for each laser, the array is designed as a unified structure where emitters can be selectively activated through a shared control mechanism, significantly reducing control complexity while maintaining beam scanning capability through spatial distribution of the emitters.
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 low control complexity, high reliability, and efficient beam receiving, enabling three-dimensional detection with monolithic integration of transceivers, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
most of the beams emitted to space by the N emission units (9) are collimated and output through the lens (11)
Implementation Method 2
the focal plane of the lens (11) is parallel to the plane where the N emitting units (9) are located
Implementation Method 3
light output by the laser (1) is coupled to the input waveguide (4) through the coupling fiber (2)
Implementation Method 4
the upper surface of the lens (11) far away from the emitting unit is coated with an antireflection film with the same working wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Lidar detection device based on a lens and an integrated beam transceiver, comprising a laser, a coupling fiber, a substrate, an input waveguide, a connection waveguide, a 1×N optical switch, a switch electrical interface, N switch output waveguides, N transceiving units, an off-chip processor and a lens, wherein N is a positive integer above 2. The invention can realize three-dimensional detection of a target, and the invention has the characteristics of two-dimensional beam steering independent of wavelength switching, low control complexity, low electric power consumption, receiving and emitting monolithic integration and high receiving efficiency, and being compatible with two laser ranging functions of ToF and FMCW.