Optical Antenna Layer Structure for Efficient Solid-State LiDAR Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state lidar systems face challenges with low light emission efficiency and high power requirements, leading to decreased accuracy and increased energy waste, hindering their commercialization.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical antenna and OPA transmitter with a specific layered structure comprising a reflector layer, waveguide layer, and separation layer, utilizing materials with varying refractive indices to enhance light reflection and emission efficiency, and incorporating a grating array to control light directionality and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid-state lidar uses conventional optical antennas, then the system is compact and reliable, but light emission efficiency is low and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the antenna structure by introducing a grating array with specific periodicity and duty cycle, modifying the refractive index distribution through layered materials, and adjusting the geometric parameters of the waveguide and reflector to optimize light emission efficiency while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including multiple layers with different refractive indices (waveguide layer, reflector layer, separation layer), combining materials with complementary optical properties to enhance light emission efficiency while keeping the system compact and reliable
2Measurement precision
If solid-state lidar increases power to compensate for low emission efficiency, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes optical parameters including grating periodicity, waveguide dimensions, and layer thicknesses to maximize light emission efficiency, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while minimizing the power required to achieve the same performance level
3Loss of energy
If mechanical lidars are used, then light emission efficiency is high, but the system becomes bulky and mechanically vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a solid-state optical antenna system that uses grating arrays and waveguide structures to achieve beam steering and light emission, eliminating moving parts while maintaining high emission efficiency through optimized optical parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical rotation in one dimension to optical phase control across multiple dimensions using arrayed waveguides and gratings, achieving spatial light control without mechanical movement
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 proposed solution enhances light emission efficiency, extends detection range, and reduces energy waste, making solid-state lidar systems more viable for commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector layer reflects the light emitted downwards from the waveguide layer
Implementation Method 2
The refractive index of the third material is smaller than that of either the first material or the second material
Implementation Method 3
The waveguide layer further has a first grating array
Data Source
AI summary
An optical antenna, an optical phased array transmitter, and a lidar system using the same are provided. The optical antenna includes a substrate that forms at least a portion of a reflector layer having a first material, a waveguide layer disposed above the reflector layer and having a second material, a separation layer disposed between the waveguide layer and the reflector layer and having a third material. The waveguide layer further has a first grating array. The reflector layer reflects the light emitted downwards from the waveguide layer. The refractive index of the third material is smaller than that of either the first material or the second material.