Passive Nano-Antenna Array for 3D Imaging Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional imaging systems face challenges in flexibility across various application scenarios due to strict requirements for scanning methods and limitations in planar array reception chips, including high development costs, low resolution, and synchronization issues between emitting and receiving ends.
Innovation Solution
A passive nano-antenna array receiver is introduced, comprising a receiving lens, passive nano-antenna array, focusing lens assembly, and optical receiver, which deflects and focuses light beams to achieve flexible and high-resolution three-dimensional imaging, reducing power consumption and manufacturing costs by using a single-point or multi-point optical receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a planar array reception chip is used as the receiving end, then wide-angle reception and signal-to-noise ratio are ensured, but the development period is very long and the resolution is low due to pixel size limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The planar array reception chip is segmented into multiple sub-antenna arrays, each capable of independent phase control. This segmentation allows each sub-array to function as an independent receiving element, thereby improving resolution while maintaining the overall wide-angle reception capability through coordinated operation of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic phase control mechanisms that allow the receiving end to adaptively adjust its reception characteristics in real-time. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize both resolution and signal-to-noise ratio by dynamically reconfiguring the phase relationships across the array elements based on incoming signal directions and intensities.
2Measurement precision
If a scan-based three-dimensional imaging system is used, then single-point distance measurement is achieved, but the system requires long measurement distance, large receiving aperture, and synchronous scanning between emitting and receiving ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixed receiving array as an intermediary between the scanning laser emitter and the detection system. This fixed array receives reflected light from all directions simultaneously and uses phase control to determine the direction of incoming light, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical scanning at the receiving end and reducing synchronization complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system at the receiving end with an electronic phase control system. Instead of mechanically moving the receiver to track the scanning laser, the system uses electronic phase modulation and demodulation to determine the direction and distance of targets, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity and synchronization requirements.
3Reliability
If the receiving end is provided with a relatively large receiving aperture, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the system must maintain relatively long measurement distance and synchronous scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional scanning approach to a two-dimensional spatial sampling approach by using a planar array of receiving elements. This dimensional change allows the system to capture spatial information from multiple directions simultaneously, improving signal-to-noise ratio through aperture synthesis while enabling short-range measurement through electronic beam forming and direction-of-arrival estimation.
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 passive nano-antenna array receiver enhances flexibility and signal-to-noise ratio, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves spatial resolution by enabling solid-state signal reception with a large aperture, overcoming limitations of planar array reception systems.
Implementation Method 1
the receiving lens is configured to receive incident light and focus the incident light to the passive nano-antenna array at the receiving end
Implementation Method 2
the passive nano-antenna array is configured to deflect an angle of a light beam output by the receiving lens
Implementation Method 3
the focusing lens assembly is configured to focus the outgoing light output by the passive nano-antenna array to the optical receiver
Implementation Method 4
the optical receiver is configured to convert a received optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a passive nano-antenna array receiver and a three-dimensional imaging system. The passive nano-antenna array receiver includes a receiving lens, a passive nano-antenna array at a receiving end, a focusing lens assembly, and an optical receiver; the receiving lens is configured to receive incident light and focus the incident light to the passive nano-antenna array at the receiving end; the passive nano-antenna array at the receiving end is configured to deflect an angle of a light beam output by the receiving lens, so that an optical axis of the outgoing light is perpendicular to the passive nano-antenna array at the receiving end; the focusing lens assembly is configured to focus the outgoing light output by the passive nano-antenna array at the receiving end to the optical receiver; the optical receiver is configured to convert a received optical signal into an electrical signal.