Solid-State Optical Phased Array Lidar via Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar sensors rely on mechanically moving parts for scanning laser beams, which limits their reliability, longevity, size, weight, and cost, particularly in applications like advanced driver assist systems and autonomous driving, where solid-state solutions are preferred for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) to create chip-scale optical splitters that distribute laser signals uniformly to an array of pixels with tunable optical delay lines and antennas, enabling solid-state steering of laser beams through interference and phase control, forming high-resolution far-field radiation patterns for three-dimensional mapping and object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanically moving parts are used for scanning laser beams in conventional lidar sensors, then beam scanning capability is achieved, but reliability, sensor lifetime, size, weight, and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a solid-state optical phased array that uses photonic integrated circuits to control the phase of light waves. This substitution eliminates moving parts entirely, achieving beam scanning through electronic phase control of multiple light sources arranged in an array, thereby improving reliability and reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the beam scanning function into multiple independent optical sources arranged in an array, where each source can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve scanning capability through the collective control of individual elements rather than moving a single beam, eliminating mechanical complexity
2Duration of action of stationary object
If mechanically moving parts are used for scanning laser beams, then beam scanning capability is achieved, but sensor lifetime deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical scanning system with a solid-state optical phased array using photonic integrated circuits, the patent eliminates wear and tear associated with moving parts, thereby extending sensor lifetime while maintaining beam scanning capability through electronic phase control
3Volume of moving object
If mechanically moving parts are used for scanning laser beams, then beam scanning capability is achieved, but sensor size deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical scanning components with compact photonic integrated circuits and solid-state optical components, significantly reducing the overall sensor size while maintaining beam scanning capability through electronic control of the optical phased array
4Ease of manufacture
If mechanically moving parts are used for scanning laser beams, then beam scanning capability is achieved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical scanning components with cost-effective solid-state optical components and photonic integrated circuits, reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the same beam scanning function through electronic phase control of the optical array
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 approach allows for high-resolution, reliable, and cost-effective solid-state lidar systems capable of generating arbitrary radiation patterns, enhancing performance in applications like three-dimensional holography, optical communications, and biomedical sciences, while reducing mechanical complexity and increasing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
each antenna emits light of a specific phase to form a desired far-field radiation pattern through interference of these emissions
Implementation Method 2
As the delay lines of said antenna-containing pixels in said array are tuned, each antenna emits light of a specific phase
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar-based apparatus and method are used for the solid state steering of laser beams using Photonic Integrated Circuits. Integrated optic design and fabrication micro- and nanotechnologies are used for the production of chip-scale optical splitters that distribute an optical signal from a laser essentially uniformly to an array of pixels, said pixels comprising tunable optical delay lines and optical antennas. Said antennas achieve out-of-plane coupling of light.As the delay lines of said antenna-containing pixels in said array are tuned, each antenna emits light of a specific phase to form a desired far-field radiation pattern through interference of these emissions. Said array serves the function of solid state optical phased array.By incorporating a large number of antennas, high-resolution far-field patterns can be achieved by an optical phased array, supporting the radiation pattern beam forming and steering needed in solid state lidar, as well as the generation of arbitrary radiation patterns as needed in three-dimensional holography, optical memory, mode matching for optical space-division multiplexing, free space communications, and biomedical sciences. Whereas imaging from an array is conventionally transmitted through the intensity of the pixels, the optical phased array allows imaging through the control of the optical phase of pixels that receive coherent light waves from a single source.