LIDAR Waveguide Array Wavelength Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

LIDAR systems face complexity and cost issues due to the need for large numbers of phase tuners to direct LIDAR output signals, which increases complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A LIDAR system that uses a waveguide array and electronics to tune the wavelength of the LIDAR output signal, allowing direction changes without the need for phase tuners, thereby reducing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Optical Phased Arrays (OPA) are used to move the LIDAR output signal between sample regions, then the LIDAR output signal can be directed to multiple different sample regions, but large numbers of phase tuners are required which increases device complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal direction controlVSAvoidnumber of phase tuners

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from phase modulation (requiring phase tuners) to wavelength modulation. By using a single wavelength-tunable component instead of multiple phase tuners, the system achieves the same beam steering functionality with significantly reduced device complexity and fewer components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If large numbers of phase tuners are used to tune the direction of the LIDAR output signal, then the signal direction can be controlled accurately, but the cost and complexity of the LIDAR sensor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal direction accuracyVSAvoidnumber of phase tuners

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces phase-based direction control with wavelength-based direction control. This parameter change allows accurate beam steering to be achieved with a single tunable component rather than multiple phase tuners, maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables efficient direction tuning of LIDAR output signals, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining effective signal control and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide array configured to output a LIDAR output signal such that the LIDAR output signal is reflected by an object located off the LIDAR chip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

electronics configured to tune a wavelength of the LIDAR output signal such that the direction that the LIDAR output signal travels away from the LIDAR chip changes in response to the tuning of the wavelength by the electronics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength tuning:

Data Source

PatentUS20240061082A9Controlling direction of lidar output signals

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 SILC TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A LIDAR system includes a waveguide array configured to output a LIDAR output signal such that the LIDAR output signal is reflected by an object located off the LIDAR chip. The system also includes electronics configured to tune a wavelength of the LIDAR output signal such that the direction that the LIDAR output signal travels away from the LIDAR chip changes in response to the tuning of the wavelength by the electronics.