Metasurface LiDAR Beam Steering for Compact 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR devices are large and inefficient in their ability to perform three-dimensional scanning, particularly when using VCSELs for beam steering, which limits their application in compact systems like autonomous driving vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR device utilizing a metasurface with nanopillars to steer a laser beam, forming subwavelength patterns that enable efficient beam steering and scanning, allowing for a compact, solid-state design capable of three-dimensional scanning with VCSEL elements arranged in arrays for both vertical and horizontal directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional LiDAR devices use VCSELs with conventional beam steering mechanisms, then the device can perform basic distance measurement, but the device size becomes large and scanning efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering function is segmented into multiple independent beam steering cells arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each cell contains nanopillars that can independently steer the laser beam to different scanning points, enabling parallel scanning operations that improve productivity while maintaining a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional one-dimensional or mechanical beam steering to two-dimensional array-based steering using beam steering cells with nanopillars. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous scanning in both horizontal and vertical directions, significantly improving scanning efficiency without increasing device volume
2Volume of moving object
If LiDAR devices are designed for compact size using VCSEL elements, then the device volume is reduced, but the ability to perform three-dimensional scanning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical scanning systems with a solid-state metasurface comprising beam steering cells and nanopillars. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components while enabling three-dimensional scanning through optical phase modulation, achieving both compact size and full 3D scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The beam steering cells with nanopillars serve multiple functions: they steer the laser beam in both horizontal and vertical directions, focus the beam at different distances, and enable three-dimensional scanning. This multi-functionality allows a single compact component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate systems
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional beam steering methods are used with VCSELs, then the manufacturing process is relatively simple, but the scanning precision and field of view coverage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the beam steering cells by varying the size, shape, and arrangement of nanopillars within each cell. These parameter variations enable precise control of the laser beam's phase and direction, achieving high scanning precision while maintaining compatibility with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes
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 significantly reduces the size of the LiDAR device while enhancing its scanning capabilities, enabling effective three-dimensional measurements within a field of view, thereby improving its suitability for applications like autonomous driving.
Implementation Method 1
a metasurface including a plurality of beam steering cells arranged in a form of two-dimensional array... wherein the plurality of the beam steering cells guide the laser beam to the plurality of the scanning points by using nanopillars disposed on an emission surface side of the laser emitting unit
Implementation Method 2
the nanopillars form a subwavelength pattern in the plurality of the beam steering cells
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a lidar device. The lidar device may include a polygonal mirror rotating along a rotational axis, reflecting a laser beam provided from a side toward an object and receiving a laser beam reflected from the object. The lidar device may also include a laser emitting module including a plurality of VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) elements emitting a laser beam toward the polygonal mirror and arranged along the rotational axis. The lidar device may further include a metasurface forming, via a plurality of nanopillars disposed on an emission surface side of the laser emitting module, a beam of line pattern line pattern being extended along the rotational axis using the laser beam emitted from the laser emitting module. The lidar device may further include a sensor unit receiving, via the polygonal mirror, the laser beam reflected from the object.