Optical Redirector Layout for Wider LiDAR Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar systems face challenges in efficiently detecting a wide range of light intensities from different distances and environments, limiting their dynamic range and accuracy in object detection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lidar system with a rotatable mirror and optical redirectors that separate return light into unequal portions to illuminate multiple photodetectors, utilizing an optically isolating coating to enhance dynamic range and improve detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lidar systems use a single photodetector to detect return light, then the device complexity is low, but the dynamic range and detection precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is divided into multiple photodetectors (first photodetector and second photodetector) that separately detect different portions of return light. This segmentation allows each photodetector to specialize in detecting specific intensity ranges, thereby expanding the overall dynamic range and improving detection precision without requiring a single complex photodetector
Solution Approach 2:
Optical redirectors are introduced as intermediary elements that guide and distribute return light to different photodetectors. These redirectors act as mediators that enable the light from a single aperture to be efficiently distributed to multiple detectors, achieving enhanced measurement capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lidar system uses multiple photodetectors with optical redirectors to expand dynamic range, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical redirectors serve multiple functions: they guide return light to appropriate photodetectors, enable the system to handle varying light intensities from different distances, and maintain a compact receiver structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve expanded dynamic range without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple photodetectors and optical redirectors into an integrated receiver assembly that shares common components such as the aperture and housing. This merging approach allows the system to achieve enhanced adaptability and dynamic range while avoiding the complexity of completely separate detection systems
3Productivity
If return light is not efficiently distributed to multiple photodetectors, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity and detection accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical redirectors are designed to dynamically adapt the distribution of return light based on the intensity and direction of incoming light. This dynamic light distribution enables the system to efficiently utilize multiple photodetectors across varying detection conditions, thereby improving productivity and detection capability without requiring complex active control mechanisms
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
The system achieves a broader dynamic range and improved detection capabilities by efficiently utilizing return light flux across multiple photodetectors, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of object detection in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each optical redirector is configured to receive return light from a respective aperture, separate the return light into unequal portions, and illuminate at least two photodetectors
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the optical redirectors includes an optically isolating coating
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 redirectors. Each optical redirector 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. At least one of the optical redirectors includes an optically isolating coating.