Optical Frequency Scanning Laser for Multi-Channel Angle Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical frequency scanning laser light sources are limited to fixed bands, making it difficult to obtain information on multiple channels, and mechanical scanning devices are intolerant to external noise and have a shorter lifetime due to performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A dual-spectral variable-based oscillation optical frequency scanning laser light source that enables sequential scanning of oscillation laser outputs throughout the entire band wider than a channel band, using nonmechanical scanning to change the angle of propagated light in response to an electric signal without mechanical behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical frequency scanning light sources are used within a single fixed band, then the laser oscillation output band remains stable, but it becomes difficult to obtain information on multiple channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical frequency band into multiple channel bands (first channel band, second channel band, etc.) and uses separate delay optical fiber devices for each band. This allows the system to maintain stable oscillation within each segment while acquiring information from multiple channels by sequentially scanning through different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different channel bands by changing the oscillation laser output band from a fixed state to a variable state. The control unit sequentially activates different channel bands, enabling the system to adapt between maintaining stability in one band and expanding to multiple bands for multi-channel information acquisition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If time division multiplexing is used to transmit optical signals over multiple channels, then multi-channel information can be transmitted, but precise adjustment is required and it is difficult to actively change output characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the light source unit actively change its own oscillation laser output band without requiring external control adjustments. The control unit simply selects which channel band to activate, and the light source autonomously adjusts its output characteristics, eliminating the need for precise manual adjustment of delay optical fiber devices or other external components.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning devices are used for propagation angle scanning, then three-dimensional spatial information can be obtained, but the devices are intolerant to external noise and have shorter lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning devices with a non-mechanical optical frequency scanning system. Instead of physically moving mirrors or scanners to change propagation angles, the system uses optical frequency division multiplexing and time division multiplexing to achieve angle-dependent distance measurement. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and sensitivity to vibration, significantly improving reliability and lifespan while maintaining measurement precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical frequency division multiplexing is used to transmit optical signals through multiple channels, then multi-channel information can be obtained, but it is hard to apply due to operational characteristics of typical optical frequency scanning laser light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical frequency division multiplexing and time division multiplexing into a unified system architecture. By combining these two multiplexing techniques, the system achieves multi-channel information transmission while simplifying the overall implementation. The delay optical fiber devices are integrated into the resonant optical frequency variation units, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying system configuration.
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 precise distance measurement at low manufacturing costs, tolerating external noise, and overcoming angle limitations by performing angle scans with optical frequency variation at an angle resolution equal to or higher than the line width of the fixed optical frequency.
Implementation Method 1
resonance induction units for forming an optical resonance unit which includes the optical gain unit, the transmission optical band variation unit, and the resonant optical frequency variation unit and causes selective oscillation of light having a specific resonant optical frequency within a specific transmission optical band
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement device includes: an optical gain unit for generating and amplifying light; a transmission optical band variation unit for selecting a specific optical frequency band from the light generated by the optical gain unit, and varying the selected specific optical frequency band to transmit light; a resonant optical frequency variation unit for performing a frequency variation so that multiple resonant optical frequency orders within the specific optical frequency band vary over a variation range narrower than intervals between the respective orders; resonance induction units forming an optical resonance unit which includes the optical gain unit, the transmission optical band variation unit, and the resonant optical frequency variation unit and causes selective oscillation of light having a specific resonant optical frequency within a specific transmission optical band; and a control signal unit for varying each of the transmission optical band variation unit and the resonant optical frequency variation unit.