LIDAR Waveguide Amplifier Signal Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems suffer from optical loss due to the signal selector, which affects the efficiency of scanning the system output signal within the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system is designed with a utility waveguide and multiple preliminary alternate waveguides, each guiding a preliminary outgoing LIDAR signal. Amplifiers are used to enhance these signals, and electronics operate the amplifiers to designate one as active and others as inactive, using only the active signal for calculating LIDAR data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a signal selector is used to direct outgoing light signals to alternate waveguides for scanning, then the system can scan the field of view, but optical loss increases due to the signal selector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the signal selector component from the optical path entirely. Instead of using a signal selector to direct light to alternate waveguides, the system uses a different architecture where the outgoing light signal is directly coupled to alternate waveguides through a common optical path, eliminating the source of optical loss while preserving scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical path that serves multiple functions: it carries the outgoing light signal to all alternate waveguides simultaneously and also provides a common return path for reflected signals from all waveguides. This multi-functional path eliminates the need for component-specific routing that would require additional switching elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple alternate waveguides are used to scan different directions, then the field of view coverage increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outgoing optical paths to all alternate waveguides into a single common optical path. The outgoing light signal from the light source is split and distributed to multiple waveguides through this shared path, and the reflected signals from all waveguides are combined back into a single return path to the detector. This reduces the number of separate optical components and simplifies the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using separate independent optical paths for each waveguide that would require complex switching and routing, the patent inverts the approach by using a single shared optical path that serves all waveguides. The scanning is achieved by selectively activating different waveguides rather than by physically switching optical paths, thereby reducing system complexity
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 configuration reduces optical loss by amplifying the active outgoing LIDAR signal and compensates for the loss associated with scanning, thereby enhancing the system's efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
amplifiers that are each configured to receive one of the preliminary outgoing LIDAR signals from a different one of the preliminary alternate waveguides. Each of the amplifiers outputs an outgoing LIDAR signal that includes light from one of the preliminary outgoing LIDAR signals
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a utility waveguide that guides an outgoing LIDAR signal precursor. The LIDAR system also includes multiple preliminary alternate waveguides that each guides a preliminary outgoing LIDAR signal that includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal precursor. The LIDAR system includes amplifiers that are each configured to receive one of the preliminary outgoing LIDAR signals from a different one of the preliminary alternate waveguides. Each of the amplifiers outputs an outgoing LIDAR signal that includes light from one of the preliminary outgoing LIDAR signals. The LIDAR system includes multiple alternate waveguides that each receives one of the outgoing LIDAR signals from a different one of the amplifiers. Electronics operate the amplifiers such that one of the amplifiers serve as an active amplifier and one or more of the amplifiers each serves as inactive amplifier. The outgoing LIDAR signal output from the active amplifier is an active outgoing LIDAR signal and any outgoing LIDAR signal output from one of the inactive amplifiers is an inactive outgoing LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system uses light output from the active outgoing LIDAR signal to calculate LIDAR data but does not use light output from the inactive amplifiers to calculate any LIDAR data. The LIDAR data indicates a distance and/or radial velocity between the LIDAR system and an object.