Optical Phased-Array LiDAR for Accurate Wide-Angle Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser radar systems face limitations in measuring distance due to a restricted scanning angle and low deflection efficiency of the laser beam, resulting in poor measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical phase-controlled array within the laser radar device, which includes a conducting layer, dielectric layer, and electrode layer, adjusts the electric field and carrier concentration to deflect the laser beam accurately, enhancing deflection efficiency and measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laser beam scanning method is used, then the scanning angle is limited and deflection efficiency is low, but the device structure is simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical scanning system with an optical phase-controlled array that uses electric field control to deflect laser beams. The electrode layer and dielectric layer create controllable electric fields that modulate the phase of laser beams, enabling precise angular deflection without mechanical moving parts. This substitution dramatically improves scanning speed and deflection efficiency while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to electric field strength. By adjusting the voltage applied to the electrode layer, the phase difference of laser beams passing through the dielectric layer is controlled, which in turn controls the deflection angle of the laser beam. This parameter change enables continuous and precise control of the scanning angle, improving both accuracy and efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the scanning angle is limited, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement accuracy and coverage are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic scanning system where the laser beam deflection angle can be continuously adjusted by changing the electric field parameters. The electrode layer can be controlled to create different phase distributions, allowing the laser beam to scan across a wide angular range dynamically. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to different measurement scenarios and target positions, significantly improving versatility while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 solution improves the deflection efficiency and accuracy of the laser beam illumination on the target object, leading to more precise distance calculations between the laser radar device and the target object.
Implementation Method 1
an optical phase-controlled array, which includes a conducting layer, dielectric layer, and electrode layer, adjusts the electric field and carrier concentration to deflect the laser beam accurately
Data Source
AI summary
A laser radar device includes a light source module, a collimating module, an optical phase-controlled array, a processing module, and a receiving module. The collimating module collimates the laser beam emitted by the light source module. The optical phase-controlled array deflects the collimated laser beam and reflects the deflected laser beam for making the reflected laser beam to illuminate at a target object. The receiving module receives the laser beam reflected by the target object and converts the received laser beam into electric signals. The processing module calculate a distance between the laser radar device and the target object based on the received electric signals. An accuracy of calculating the distance between the laser radar device and the target object is improved.