Microlens Array LiDAR for Optical Antenna Angle Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in matching the emission angles of optical antennas with the acceptance angles of imaging lenses, leading to inefficiencies and sensitivity to fabrication variations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a microlens array positioned between the imaging lens and the focal plane optical antenna array to transform emission angles and match them with the chief ray angles of the lens, thereby enhancing optical efficiency and tolerance to fabrication variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the emission angle of optical antennas is tailored to match the acceptance angle of the imaging lens, then the optical efficiency is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to fabrication process variations
Solution Approach 1:
A microlens array is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical antenna array and the imaging lens. The microlens array transforms the emission angles of the optical antennas to match the chief ray angles of the imaging lens, thereby decoupling the direct angle-matching requirement and reducing sensitivity to fabrication variations in the optical antennas themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angular parameter of light propagation by using the microlens array to transform the emission angles. This parameter transformation allows the optical antennas to operate at fixed, fabrication-tolerant angles while still achieving optimal coupling to the imaging lens through angular transformation.
2Measurement precision
If high density arrays of programmable optical antennas are integrated on single chips, then the resolution of imaging LiDAR is improved, but the footprint and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transforms emission angles, matches optical paths between the antenna array and imaging lens, and provides a compact integration structure. This multi-functionality enables high-density antenna integration without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array and optical antenna array are integrated in close proximity on the same chip structure, with the microlens array positioned at the focal plane of the imaging lens. This merging of components reduces the overall footprint and simplifies the integration architecture while maintaining high resolution capabilities.
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 implementation of a microlens array effectively matches emission angles with chief ray angles, improving the optical efficiency of LiDAR systems and reducing the impact of fabrication variations on emission angles.
Implementation Method 1
the microlens array is positioned approximately at a focal plane of the lens and the antenna array is positioned approximately at a focal plane of the microlens array; wherein each microlens of the microlens array is positioned so as to transform an emission angle from a corresponding optical antenna to match a chief ray angle of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to imaging LiDARs with optical antennas fed by optical waveguides. The optical antennas can be activated through an optical switch network that connects the optical antennas to a laser source to a receiver. A microlens array is positioned between a lens of the LiDAR system and the optical antennas, the microlens array being positioned so as to transform an emission angle from a corresponding optical antenna to match a chief ray angle of the lens. Methods of use and fabrication are also provided.