Multi-Wavelength LiDAR Beam Layout for Higher Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving high angular resolution, wide field-of-view, and high refresh rate with a single unit, while also being prone to interference and having limitations in cost, size, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-wavelength LIDAR system that uses multiple lasers with distinct wavelengths, a shared lens system for collimation and projection, and a receiver capable of detecting multiple wavelengths simultaneously, enabling improved angular resolution, field-of-view, and refresh rate without increasing size or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single LIDAR system uses multiple lasers to achieve high angular resolution and wide field-of-view, then measurement precision and field-of-view are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources operating at different wavelengths into a single LIDAR system, merging their functions to achieve high angular resolution and wide field-of-view simultaneously. The multiple lasers are integrated with shared optical components including collimation lenses, beam combining optics, and a unified receiver system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system employs universal optical components that serve multiple functions: a shared collimation lens system handles beams from all laser wavelengths, a single receiver detects returns from all wavelengths, and common optical paths process multiple laser sources. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering device complexity while achieving superior angular resolution and field-of-view
2Productivity
If multiple lasers with distinct wavelengths are used to improve refresh rate and angular resolution, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple laser sources operating at different wavelengths that can be pulsed simultaneously or in rapid succession, maintaining continuous useful action across multiple wavelengths. The receiver continuously detects returns from all wavelengths, enabling high refresh rates by processing multiple wavelength channels in parallel without interrupting the measurement cycle
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple laser sources and their optical paths are merged into a unified system with shared collimation, beam combining, and detection components. This merging allows the system to maintain high refresh rates by coordinating multiple lasers through a single control and detection pathway, improving productivity while managing complexity through integration
3Volume of moving object
If a shared lens system is used for collimation and projection to reduce size, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared lens system where a single collimation lens or lens array handles multiple laser wavelengths, merging what would otherwise require separate optical components. This consolidation reduces the overall volume of the LIDAR system while the design incorporates alignment features and tolerance compensation to manage the increased manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in the optical design, such as selecting lens materials and configurations that are achromatic or have minimized chromatic aberration across the multiple laser wavelengths. By optimizing optical parameters like focal length, numerical aperture, and material dispersion characteristics, the system achieves compact size with a shared lens while maintaining the necessary optical precision through parameter optimization rather than requiring extreme manufacturing tolerances
4Reliability
If multiple wavelengths are detected simultaneously to reduce interference, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system exploits the different wavelengths (colors) of the multiple laser sources by using wavelength-selective detection. Optical filters or spectroscopic components in the receiver are designed to distinguish and separately detect returns from each wavelength, enabling simultaneous multi-wavelength detection while rejecting interference from other wavelengths. This color-based discrimination improves reliability by making the system resistant to interference that affects only specific wavelength bands
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver combines multiple detection channels for different wavelengths into a single integrated detection system, merging what would otherwise require separate receivers for each wavelength. This integration reduces receiver complexity by sharing common components such as photodetectors, signal processing electronics, and control logic across all wavelength channels, while still maintaining the ability to detect and distinguish multiple wavelengths simultaneously for improved interference resistance
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 multi-wavelength LIDAR system achieves higher angular resolution and refresh rate, reduces interference susceptibility, and offers enhanced security and accuracy, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
uses multiple lasers with distinct wavelengths, a shared lens system for collimation and projection
Implementation Method 2
a receiver capable of detecting multiple wavelengths simultaneously, enabling improved angular resolution, field-of-view, and refresh rate
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-wavelength LIDAR system includes a first array of laser emitters that generate a first and second array of optical beams having a first and second wavelength, respectively. A region of free space interleaves the first array of optical beams and the second array of optical beams. An optical receiver receives a portion of light from the first array of optical beams reflected at a target plane and a portion of light from the second array of optical beams reflected at the target plane and generates a first and second plurality of wavelength signals corresponding to the received portion of light from the first and second array of optical beams, respectively. A controller generates a measurement point cloud from the first and second plurality of wavelength signals generated by the optical receiver, where an angular resolution of the measurement point cloud comprises a first angular resolution corresponding to an emitter spacing of the first array of laser emitters and a second angular resolution corresponding to an emitter spacing of the second array of laser emitters.