Microstructured LiDAR Diffuser for Wide-Angle Signal Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in increasing the field of view (FOV) with enhanced signal at larger incident angles without moving the detector or measurement setup, which is costly and inefficient with standard optical components.

Innovation Solution

A structured diffuser with micro- or nano-structured surfaces, such as pyramids, cones, or Fresnel lenses, redistributes LiDAR light to a specific direction, enhancing the FOV and maintaining signal intensity, fabricated through methods like lithography or milling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard optical components are used to increase the field of view, then the detection angle is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser surface is segmented into multiple microstructures (pyramids, cones, or combinations) with different geometric parameters. Each microstructure segment redirects light at specific angles, collectively covering a wide field of view without requiring complex movable components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from using multiple discrete optical components arranged in space to a two-dimensional surface patterned with microstructures. This dimensional transformation allows the diffuser to achieve wide-angle light redistribution in a compact, static form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the detector is moved to increase the field of view, then the detection angle is improved, but the measurement setup becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidmeasurement setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A diffuser plate is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the LiDAR sensor and the stationary detector. This mediator redistributes incoming light from wide angles onto the detector's active area, enabling FOV expansion without moving the detector or other measurement setup components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical solution of moving the detector to change FOV is replaced by an optical solution using a static diffuser with microstructures. The diffuser's geometric features passively redirect light paths, eliminating the need for mechanical movement while achieving the same functional outcome

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard diffusers are used, then light is scattered, but signal intensity at larger incident angles is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal at larger incident anglesVSAvoidsignal intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the diffuser surface have locally optimized microstructure geometries (varying pyramid heights, cone angles, or combinations) tailored to redirect specific incident angle ranges. This local customization ensures that light from all incident angles, including large angles, is efficiently redirected with adequate signal intensity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The microstructure geometric parameters (size, shape, spacing, orientation) are systematically varied across the diffuser surface to control light redistribution characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the diffuser optimizes signal intensity for wide-angle incident light while maintaining compact dimensions

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 structured diffuser achieves a wide FOV and maintains signal intensity, providing compact and cost-effective LiDAR detection with deterministic light patterns, surpassing standard diffusers and lenses.

Implementation Method 1

a deterministically structured diffuser for redistributing light from a LiDAR sensor (being the DUT) onto an image plane of the diffuser with a particular distribution, area, or pattern, wherein the light redistribution diffuses the wide angle LiDAR light in a preferential direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight diffraction and refraction through microstructures: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

The structured diffusor may comprise at least one Fresnel lens configured to receive incident LiDAR light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFresnel lens light focusing: Fresnel Lens

Data Source

PatentUS20250314809A1Diffuser for a lidar test system

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A LiDAR test system includes a deterministically structured diffuser for redistributing LiDAR light onto an image plane of the diffuser with a particular distribution, area, or pattern. The light redistribution diffuses the wide angle LiDAR light in a preferential direction. A light receiving element, such as e.g. a detector, of the test system is placed in the image plane.