Masked Photon Counting Pixel Array for Real-Time LiDAR Noise Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geiger-mode LiDAR systems face challenges in accurately characterizing intrinsic noise sources, particularly in high-density pixel arrays, which affects signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A single photon counting sensor array with a mask material covering some detectors to differentiate between blocked and unblocked pixels, allowing for real-time intrinsic noise characterization by comparing signal characteristics between masked and unmasked pixels, and using this data to determine noise components and improve signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Geiger-mode photodiode detectors are used to increase sensitivity for single photon counting, then light detection sensitivity is improved, but intrinsic noise components from surrounding environment and system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into blocked pixels (covered by mask material) and unblocked pixels (exposed to light). This segmentation allows separate measurement of intrinsic noise from blocked pixels and total signal (signal + noise) from unblocked pixels, enabling noise characterization and subtraction to improve signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The mask material physically blocks light from reaching blocked pixels, extracting and isolating the intrinsic noise component from the total signal. By taking out the light component through masking, the patent enables separate measurement and characterization of noise sources
2Measurement precision
If high density pixel arrays with tightly pitched pixels are deployed to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but crosstalk interference between neighboring pixels increases
Solution Approach 1:
Blocked pixels are strategically positioned within the high-density pixel array to create reference regions for noise measurement. This segmentation allows the system to measure and compensate for crosstalk effects that occur between tightly pitched pixels, enabling accurate noise characterization without reducing spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The blocked pixels serve as self-referenced noise sensors that automatically measure the intrinsic noise and crosstalk present in the array. This self-service mechanism provides real-time noise characterization that can be used to correct measurements from unblocked pixels, improving accuracy without external calibration
3Measurement precision
If blocked pixels are used to measure intrinsic noise, then noise characterization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to mask material and additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
Blocked pixels perform multiple functions: they measure intrinsic noise, characterize crosstalk effects, and provide reference data for signal correction. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by enabling comprehensive noise characterization from a single pixel type modification
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts noise characterization parameters based on measurements from blocked pixels. By changing the operational parameters (measuring noise levels, crosstalk coefficients) based on blocked pixel data, the system adapts to varying environmental conditions and maintains accurate noise compensation
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
Enables accurate real-time noise characterization, improving signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for tighter pixel pitching without increasing bias, enhancing the sensitivity and performance of LiDAR systems in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
A mask material is positioned to cover some but not all of the detectors of the plurality of pixels to yield blocked pixels and unblocked pixels so that each blocked pixel is prevented from detecting the reflected pulses of energy
Implementation Method 2
A LiDAR system is a sensor that emits light directed at the surrounding environment, and detects the reflected light off of objects
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a photon counting sensor array including emitters for emitting a light to an object, a detector array including a first pixel and a second pixel separated from each other, and a mask material disposed on the second pixel, the first pixel receives a light reflected from the object, and the mask material is not disposed on the first pixel.