Micro Shutter Array for High-Resolution Scanning Flash LiDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scanning flash LiDAR systems, the limited transmitter aperture size results in a larger outgoing laser divergence than the required point cloud resolution, making it difficult to achieve the necessary resolution spot size without increasing the size of the MEMS mirror.
Innovation Solution
A micro shutter array is integrated into the receiver, allowing only a spatially-selected portion of the optical signal to pass through at a time, which is then focused on a photodetector, effectively reducing the detected spot size and improving resolution without increasing the transmitter's aperture size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the transmitter aperture size is increased to reduce laser divergence and improve resolution, then the resolution spot size decreases, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver aperture is divided into multiple independently controllable segments (micro shutters). Each segment can be opened or closed to selectively receive light from different angular directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high angular resolution by sequentially sampling different portions of the incoming light, effectively replacing the need for a large MEMS mirror with a segmented aperture approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from spatial resolution (using a large MEMS mirror to reduce beam divergence) to temporal-spatial sampling (using a segmented aperture with sequential opening/closing). By adding the time dimension to the sampling process, the system achieves high resolution without requiring a proportionally large optical component, thus reducing device complexity and size.
2Reliability
If the transmitter aperture size is increased to reduce laser divergence, then the outgoing beam divergence decreases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented aperture acts as an intermediary between the incoming light and the detector. Instead of relying on a large MEMS mirror to control beam divergence, the segmented aperture selectively samples light from different angular directions, achieving precise beam control through spatial filtering rather than physical beam manipulation.
3Measurement precision
If a large MEMS mirror is used to collimate the laser beam, then the outgoing beam divergence is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing a single large, precisely figured MEMS mirror, the invention uses multiple smaller, simpler mirror segments or a flat mirror with a segmented aperture. Each segment can be manufactured independently with lower precision requirements, and the array of segments collectively achieves the desired collimation and angular resolution through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple simple optical elements (flat mirrors with segmented apertures or small mirror segments) to achieve the function that would otherwise require a single complex large MEMS mirror. This merging of simpler components reduces manufacturing difficulty while maintaining the required optical performance.
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 approach enables the achievement of high-resolution LiDAR systems by dividing the optical signal into smaller portions, allowing for sub-resolution detection without enlarging the MEMS mirror, and is easily integrated into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The condenser lens is configured to collimate the optical signal returning from the environment
Implementation Method 2
The receiving lens is configured to receive and focus the spatially-selected portion of the optical signal on a photodetector
Implementation Method 3
focus the spatially-selected portion of the optical signal on a photodetector of the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a micro shutter array, an optical sensing system, and an optical sensing method. The optical sensing system includes a transmitter configured to emit an optical signal toward an environment surrounding the optical sensing system, and a receiver configured to receive the optical signal returning from the environment. The receiver further includes a condenser lens, a receiving lens, and a micro shutter array disposed between the condenser lens and the receiving lens. The condenser lens is configured to collimate the optical signal returning from the environment. The micro shutter array is configured to allow only a spatially-selected portion of the optical signal to pass through the micro shutter array at one time. The receiving lens is configured to receive and focus the spatially-selected portion of the optical signal on a photodetector of the receiver.