Orthogonal LiDAR Arrays for Mirrorless 3D Coherent Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems rely on moveable mirrors, which are expensive, prone to reliability issues, and limited in speed and resolution, and 2D solid-state solutions are complex and difficult to scale, while direct detection systems struggle with partial reflections and interference.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system using orthogonal 1D transmitter and receiver arrays with wavelength sweeping and coherent light to create a 3D image, employing phase shifters and short surface-emitting gratings, enabling high-resolution 3D and potentially 4D scanning without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If moveable mirrors are used in conventional LiDAR systems, then scanning functionality is achieved, but the system becomes expensive, unreliable, and limited in speed and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces moveable mirrors with a fixed photonic integrated circuit containing waveguides and phase shifters. The mechanical scanning system is substituted with an optical system that uses phase modulation to steer light beams electronically, eliminating moving parts and improving reliability while enabling faster scanning speeds and higher resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic integrated circuit uses on-chip phase shifters that are controlled by electronic signals to dynamically steer the optical beam. The system serves itself by using integrated electronic control elements within the optical circuit to perform beam steering without external mechanical components.
2Reliability
If 2D solid-state solutions are implemented, then moving parts are eliminated, but the system becomes complex and difficult to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into two independent 1D arrays: a transmitter array for beam steering in one dimension and a receiver array for detecting reflections from orthogonal directions. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture compared to a full 2D array, making it easier to manufacture and scale while maintaining solid-state reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a problematic 2D array configuration to a solution that uses two separate 1D arrays oriented orthogonally. By decomposing the 2D scanning requirement into two independent 1D scanning dimensions, the system achieves the same functional capability with reduced complexity and improved manufacturability.
3Device complexity
If direct detection systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system struggles with partial reflections and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs coherent detection instead of direct detection, fundamentally changing the detection parameter from intensity measurement to phase and amplitude measurement. This parameter change enables the system to distinguish partial reflections and reject interference through coherent processing, significantly improving measurement precision and distance resolution while maintaining manageable system complexity.
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 provides a scalable, high-resolution scanning system with improved distance resolution and resistance to interference, capable of creating detailed 3D and 4D images with coherent light, including motion detection, and is resilient against other light sources.
Implementation Method 1
A LiDAR system uses orthogonal 1D transmitter and receiver arrays with wavelength sweeping and coherent light to create a 3D image, employing phase shifters and short surface-emitting gratings
Data Source
AI summary
A method for scanning a scene is disclosed. According to the method, light is transmitted by a transmitter through a transmitter surface grating array, as a first elliptical pattern in a first lateral direction. Light is received by a receiver through a receiver surface grating array, from an area of a second elliptical pattern. The received light is reflected from the first elliptical pattern. The first elliptical pattern is orthogonal to the second elliptical pattern. The first elliptical pattern overlaps with the second elliptical pattern.