Polarizing Beam Splitter for Low-Loss LIDAR Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face challenges in separating returning light from outgoing light due to low power levels, leading to increased optical loss and reduced reliability of generated LIDAR data.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system utilizing a polarizing-beam splitter to separate incoming and outgoing light signals based on their polarization states, reducing optical loss and enhancing power retention of the incoming signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical coupler is used to separate returning light from outgoing light, then the light signals can be separated, but the optical loss increases and reliability decreases due to low power levels of the returning light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from intensity-based coupling to polarization-based separation. By utilizing the polarization state difference between outgoing and returning light, the system achieves separation without the high optical loss associated with optical couplers, thereby improving reliability while minimizing energy loss.
2Power
If an optical coupler is used to separate light signals, then separation is achieved, but the power level of the incoming signal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from using optical coupling (intensity-based) to polarization-based separation. This parameter change allows the incoming signal to maintain its power level since polarization separation does not inherently attenuate the signal, thus preserving power while achieving separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polarization beam splitter as an intermediary device that separates light based on polarization state rather than intensity. This mediator enables separation while preserving the power level of the incoming signal, avoiding the energy loss associated with traditional optical couplers.
3Reliability
If traditional optical coupling is used for signal separation, then separation is possible, but the returning light at low power levels suffers from increased optical loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental separation parameter from optical intensity/coupling to polarization state. This enables reliable separation of low-power returning light without the high losses of traditional couplers, improving data reliability while maintaining practical system complexity through integration on a single chip.
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 solution increases the power level of the incoming LIDAR signal, resulting in more reliable LIDAR data generation by minimizing optical loss during signal separation.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizing-beam splitter configured to receive the outgoing LIDAR signal and the incoming LIDAR signal and to separate the incoming LIDAR signal from the outgoing LIDAR signal
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip with a utility waveguide configured to guide an outgoing LIDAR signal and an incoming LIDAR signal. The incoming LIDAR signal includes light from the LIDAR output signal after an object located outside of the LIDAR system reflects the light from the LIDAR output signal. The LIDAR chip also includes a polarizing-beam splitter configured to receive the outgoing LIDAR signal and the incoming LIDAR signal and to separate the incoming LIDAR signal from the outgoing LIDAR signal.