Optical Antenna Coupling Layout for Two-Axis LiDAR Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in efficiently managing optical waves transmitted to and received from a target region, particularly in steering the beam in multiple dimensions and optimizing the field of view, which can lead to undesired effects and reduced resolution.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical switching element combined with separate sets of optical antenna elements and an optical element that relays optical waves, allowing for two-axis beam steering and improved field of view management, including a reflective optical element to mitigate aberrations and enhance resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single set of optical antenna elements is used for both transmission and reception, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently optimize transmit and receive fields of view is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical antenna system into separate transmit and receive antenna sets, allowing independent optimization of their respective fields of view while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second spatial dimension by positioning receive antennas at different locations relative to transmit antennas, enabling independent field of view control in multiple dimensions without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If optical waves are relayed through multiple optical elements, then the field of view is expanded and resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical relay function into distinct optical elements positioned at specific locations, allowing each element to contribute to resolution and field of view while maintaining individual manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate optical elements that relay optical waves between antenna elements and the target region, improving resolution and field of view while distributing the complexity across multiple manageable components rather than a single complex element
3Area of stationary object
If optical antenna elements are positioned close together to increase density, then the area is reduced, but unwanted coupling between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful optical coupling effect by positioning receive antennas at locations separated from transmit antennas along the third axis, removing the source of unwanted interaction while maintaining compact overall area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the coupling problem by introducing a third spatial dimension for antenna positioning, allowing dense packing in the first two dimensions while preventing coupling through separation in the third dimension
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
Enables efficient two-axis beam steering and expanded field of view, improving the accuracy and resolution of LiDAR systems by optimizing optical wave management and reducing unwanted coupling between axes.
Implementation Method 1
is positioned to relay optical waves from each of the optical antenna elements in the first set to the target region, and to relay optical waves from the target region to each of the optical antenna elements in the second set
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switching element provides light to a selected output port. A first set of optical antenna elements are optically coupled to respective output ports and distributed along a first axis. A second set of optical antenna elements are separated from a different respective optical antenna element in the first set along at least one of the first axis or a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. An optical element has a first surface that: is positioned to relay optical waves from each of the optical antenna elements in the first set to a target region, and to relay optical waves from the target region to each of the optical antenna elements in the second set, intersects a plane perpendicular to the second axis along a curved line, and intersects a plane perpendicular to the first axis along a straight line that is substantially parallel to the second axis.