Optical Element Array for LiDAR Light Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical apparatuses for LiDAR face inefficiencies in light utilization due to divergent light entering adjacent lenses, leading to increased size and reduced view angles, particularly when each surface emitting laser and lens have a one-to-one correspondence.
Innovation Solution
The optical apparatus employs an optical element array that separates light from each light emitting unit into multiple illumination lights at different angles, using a collimator lens or diffractive elements to increase the separating angle difference and reduce light loss, allowing for a more compact design and wider view fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If each surface emitting laser and lens have a one-to-one correspondence, then the optical apparatus structure is simple, but light utilization efficiency lowers due to divergent light entering adjacent lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple light emitting units, each with its own dedicated lens. This segmentation prevents divergent light from one light emitting unit from entering adjacent lenses, thereby improving light utilization efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical elements with different properties (such as microlens arrays or diffractive optical elements) at specific locations within the optical path to control light distribution. These localized optical elements optimize light direction and reduce cross-contamination between adjacent light paths without complicating the entire system
2Area of stationary object
If many surface emitting lasers are used to irradiate illumination light over a wide angle of view, then the view field is wide, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical elements such as cylindrical lenses or toroidal mirrors that focus light in one dimension while maintaining divergence in another dimension. This allows the system to achieve a wide view field in the horizontal direction while keeping the vertical profile compact, effectively utilizing dimensional differentiation to resolve the size-field of view contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs optical elements that serve multiple functions: they collimate light, direct it at specific angles, and define the illumination pattern simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, achieving wide view field coverage without proportionally increasing device volume
3Loss of energy
If optical element array separates light into multiple illumination lights, then light utilization efficiency increases, but the optical apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microlens arrays or arrays of identical optical elements that replicate the same optical function across multiple channels. Each element in the array copies the light separation and direction function, achieving high light utilization efficiency through standardized, mass-producible components rather than complex custom-designed elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical light steering mechanisms with static optical elements such as diffractive optical elements or prismatic arrays that inherently separate and direct light through optical physics rather than mechanical movement. This substitution achieves efficient light separation without the complexity of movable parts or active control systems
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
This configuration enhances light utilization efficiency and allows for a more compact LiDAR system with a wider view field, enabling accurate distance measurement and scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element array including a plurality of optical elements. The optical element array separates light emitted from one light emitting unit among the at least one light emitting unit into two or more illumination lights that enter the deflector at angles different from each other
Implementation Method 2
using a collimator lens or diffractive elements to increase the separating angle difference
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a light source unit, a deflector configured to deflect illumination light from the light source unit to scan an object, and a light receiving unit configured to receive reflected light from the object. The light source unit includes at least one light emitting unit and an optical element array including a plurality of optical elements. The optical element array separates light emitted from one light emitting unit among the at least one light emitting unit into two or more illumination lights that enter the deflector at angles different from each other.