Optical Phased Array LiDAR Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam steering devices for LiDAR systems in advanced driving assistance systems and autonomous vehicles face limitations in extending the scanning range of light beams, particularly in achieving a broad field of view and steering light beams of various wavelengths efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system includes a substrate with multiple optical phased arrays, each with a waveguide, beam splitter, and phase shifter, where the phase shifter uses a cladding layer with an oxide semiconductor to modulate the light beam's phase based on electrical signals, allowing independent operation and adjustment of light beams to different regions and directions, and an antenna with a grating for further direction adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single optical phased array is used to steer light beams, then the device structure is simple, but the scanning range and field of view are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple optical phased arrays (first OPA, second OPA, etc.), each responsible for steering light beams in different directions or wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a broader scanning range by combining the capabilities of multiple arrays, while each individual array maintains a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the scanning capability from a single dimension to multiple dimensions by introducing multiple optical phased arrays that operate in different angular ranges or wavelength domains. This dimensional expansion allows the system to cover a broader field of view without requiring each individual array to be overly complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical phased arrays with different view angle ranges are used, then the field of view is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical phased array is designed with multi-functionality, capable of handling multiple wavelengths and operating within its specific view angle range. The arrays share common structural elements and control mechanisms, allowing them to perform similar functions across different operational domains, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each optical phased array is optimized for its specific view angle range and wavelength requirements, with local structural adaptations tailored to its functional needs. This localized optimization allows each array to perform efficiently within its designated range while maintaining overall system coherence and manageable complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If mechanical rotation is used to steer the laser beam, then the scanning range can be extended, but the scanning speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation systems with optical phased arrays that use optical interference and phase modulation to steer light beams. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, enabling much faster beam steering speeds while maintaining or extending the scanning range through electronic control of multiple arrays with different view angles.
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 enables high-speed, efficient steering of light beams with a broad field of view and the ability to handle light beams of various wavelengths, extending the scanning range and reducing beam loss, while allowing for simultaneous scanning in multiple directions.
Implementation Method 1
a phase shifter configured to shift a phase of the at least one light beam that is split
Implementation Method 2
The cladding layer may include an oxide semiconductor
Implementation Method 3
a beam splitter configured to split the at least one light beam transmitted through the waveguide
Implementation Method 4
The system may further include an antenna including a grating configured to adjust the direction of the at least one light beam of which the phase is shifted
Implementation Method 5
Each of the optical phased arrays may include an optical amplifier configured to amplify the at least one light beam transmitted through the waveguide
Implementation Method 6
light detecting elements configured to detect a second plurality of light beams that are reflected by the object to which the first plurality of light beams is output
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a beam steering device, includes a substrate, at least one light source disposed on the substrate and configured to irradiate at least one light beam, and optical phased arrays disposed on a same plane of the substrate and configured to adjust a direction of the at least one light beam that is irradiated, to output a first plurality of light beams to an object. Each of the optical phased arrays has a different view angle range. The system further includes light detecting elements configured to detect a second plurality of light beams that are reflected by the object to which the first plurality of light beams is output. The light detecting elements respectively correspond to the optical phased arrays.