Optical Deflector With Diffraction Section For LIDAR Distortion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LIDAR systems, the rotation of the deflector causes changes in the angle of light reflection around both the rotation axis and a second axis perpendicular to the facet normal direction, leading to distortion in the pattern shape of reflection points on an object, which lowers the accuracy of object shape identification.
Innovation Solution
An optical deflector comprising a reflecting section driven to rotate or oscillate around a drive axis and a diffraction section that diffracts light to emit it at an angle responsive to the wavelength of incident light. The reflecting section adjusts the incident angle of light on the diffraction section, maintaining a consistent second incident angle to prevent changes in the emission angle, thereby suppressing distortion in the pattern shape of reflection points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the deflector rotates to deflect light, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the pattern shape of reflection points becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is divided into two independent sections: a reflecting section and a diffraction section. The reflecting section rotates to provide scanning coverage, while the diffraction section remains stationary to maintain fixed emission angles, thereby preventing distortion of the reflection point pattern shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction section acts as an intermediary between the rotating reflecting section and the target object. It receives light from the reflecting section and diffracts it at fixed angles, decoupling the rotation motion from the emission angle changes that cause distortion.
2Area of stationary object
If the reflecting section changes incident angle to increase scanning range, then the scanning area is improved, but the emission angle from the diffraction section changes causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the angle-changing function (in the reflecting section) from the angle-maintaining function (in the diffraction section). This allows the incident angle to vary for scanning while the emission angle remains consistent, preventing distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the diffraction section rotate to change emission angles, the invention uses the reflecting section to change incident angles while keeping the diffraction section stationary. This inverts the conventional approach and achieves scanning without emission angle distortion.
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 solution effectively suppresses distortion in the pattern shape of reflection points, maintaining the accuracy of object shape identification in LIDAR systems by ensuring consistent emission angles during the deflector's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction section configured to diffract light reflected by the reflecting section to emit light at an angle in response to a wavelength of an incident light
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting section that is driven by a power source to either rotate or oscillate around a drive axis to reflect light from a light source
Data Source
AI summary
An optical deflector includes: a reflecting section driven to rotate or oscillate around a drive axis; and a diffraction section configured to diffract light reflected by the reflecting section. The reflecting section is driven to change a first incident angle of light, around the drive axis, incident on the diffraction section from the reflecting section. The diffraction section changes a first emission angle of light emitted from the diffraction section, around a first axis perpendicular to the drive axis and a predetermined direction defined to extend from the reflecting section toward the diffraction section perpendicularly to the drive axis. The diffraction section is driven about the drive axis together with the reflecting section to maintain a second incident angle of light incident on the diffraction section from the reflecting section, around the first axis.