Optical Redirector for Lidar Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) systems face challenges in achieving a wide dynamic range and efficient light detection due to limitations in light distribution and photon flux management, which affects their ability to accurately sense objects in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
The Lidar system incorporates a transmitter with a rotatable mirror and a receiver featuring multiple apertures and optical redirectors that separate and distribute return light unequally among photodetectors, enhancing the dynamic range by optimizing photon flux distribution and utilizing flexible mirror supports to minimize thermal deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light distribution methods are used in Lidar receivers, then the system structure is simple, but the dynamic range is limited and light detection efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is divided into multiple photodetectors, each handling specific portions of return light. The optical redirector elements segment the light paths from different apertures and direct them to appropriate photodetectors, enabling parallel processing of light signals and expanding the dynamic range through distributed detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to light distribution by using multiple apertures arranged in specific geometries and optical redirectors that manipulate light paths in three-dimensional space. This spatial arrangement allows unequal portions of return light to be directed to different photodetectors, optimizing the use of available light across the receiver array
2Reliability
If equal light distribution is used among photodetectors, then the system is easy to control, but the photon flux management is inefficient and dynamic range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different photodetectors receive unequal portions of return light based on their specific positions and the characteristics of incoming light. The optical redirector elements are configured to direct specific angular or spatial portions of return light to specific photodetectors, optimizing each detector's contribution to the overall dynamic range rather than distributing light uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the distribution parameter from equal to unequal light allocation. By adjusting the optical redirector configurations and aperture arrangements, the system optimizes photon flux distribution across photodetectors based on signal strength, distance, and detection requirements, thereby expanding the measurable dynamic range
3Measurement precision
If rigid mirror supports are used, then the structure is stable, but thermal deformations occur and affect detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible mirror supports that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without generating significant stress or deformation. These flexible supports maintain the mirror's optical alignment across temperature variations, preventing detection accuracy degradation that would occur with rigid supports subjected to thermal cycling
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 allows for a broader field of view and improved accuracy in detecting objects, providing a larger dynamic range and enhanced sensing capabilities in Lidar systems, particularly in vehicles, by efficiently utilizing return light flux and reducing thermal-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
Each optical redirector element is configured to receive return light from a respective aperture, separate the return light into unequal portions, and illuminate at least two photodetectors of the plurality of photodetectors
Implementation Method 2
The receiver includes a plurality of photodetectors... configured to detect return light from the environment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices, lidar systems, and vehicles that include optical redirectors. An example lidar system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes at least one light-emitter device configured to transmit emission light into an environment of the lidar system. The receiver is configured to detect return light from the environment and includes a plurality of apertures, a plurality of photodetectors, and a plurality of optical redirector elements. Each optical redirector element is configured to optically couple a respective portion of return light from a respective aperture to at least one photodetector of the plurality of photodetectors.