Mixed-Cell SiPM Layout for Wide Dynamic Range LiDAR Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state, single-photon detectors have limitations in detecting light over a wide dynamic range, particularly in scenarios requiring sensitivity to both low and high photon fluxes without saturating.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of large-area and small-area photodetector cells, where large-area cells provide high sensitivity and small-area cells enhance dynamic range, coupled with read-out circuitry that processes their outputs to achieve a high dynamic range representation, effectively addressing the limitations of existing detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-photon detector uses a uniform array of small-area cells, then it can detect low photon fluxes with good resolution, but it cannot detect high photon fluxes without saturating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different cell sizes within the photodetector array. Small-area cells are positioned in regions receiving lower light intensity to maintain single-photon detection resolution, while large-area cells are positioned in regions receiving higher light intensity to prevent saturation. This spatial variation in cell properties allows the detector to handle both low and high photon fluxes simultaneously across different regions of the array.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-photon detector uses a uniform array of large-area cells, then it can detect high photon fluxes without saturating, but it cannot detect low photon fluxes with good resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by strategically placing large-area cells in high-intensity regions and small-area cells in low-intensity regions. This ensures that each cell type operates in its optimal performance regime: large-area cells capture sufficient photons in high-flux regions to avoid saturation, while small-area cells maintain the sensitivity needed for single-photon detection in low-flux regions.
3Measurement precision
If a single-photon detector uses only small-area cells, then it maintains good single-photon resolution, but the overall dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the photodetector array into distinct segments with different cell sizes. Small-area cells form one segment optimized for low-photon-flux detection, while large-area cells form another segment optimized for high-photon-flux detection. The readout circuitry processes signals from both segments, combining their capabilities to achieve a wide overall dynamic range that spans from single-photon levels to high photon fluxes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single-photon detector uses only large-area cells, then it extends dynamic range, but sensitivity at low light levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation to create separate detection pathways: small-area cells handle low-light-level detection with high sensitivity, while large-area cells handle high-light-level detection to extend dynamic range. The readout circuitry processes and combines outputs from both segments, ensuring that the overall system maintains both high sensitivity at low light levels and extended dynamic range at high light levels.
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 configuration allows for reliable light detection across a wider range of photon fluxes, improving sensitivity at low light levels while preventing saturation at higher intensities, thus enhancing the overall dynamic range of the detector system.
Implementation Method 1
each cell could include a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) operating in Geiger mode
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of photodetector cells includes at least one large-area cell and at least one small-area cell. The large-area cell has a first area and the small-area cell has a second area. The first area is greater than the second area.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices, light detection and ranging (lidar) systems, and vehicles involving solid-state, single photon detectors. An example device includes a substrate defining a primary plane and a plurality of photodetector cells disposed along the primary plane. The plurality of photodetector cells includes at least one large-area cell and at least one small-area cell. The large-area cell has a first area and the small-area cell has a second area and the first area is greater than the second area. The device also includes read out circuitry coupled to the plurality of photodetector cells. The read out circuitry is configured to provide an output signal based on incident light detected by the plurality of photodetector cells.