Polarizing Beam Splitter LiDAR for Wider Field-of-View Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems require multiple units to achieve a wider field of view, increasing complexity and cost, and struggle to efficiently manage laser beam polarization for enhanced scanning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system incorporating a rotating mirror and a polarizing beam splitter, with a retarder configurable in two modes to control laser beam polarization, allowing the polarizing beam splitter to steer beams based on polarization state, reducing the need for multiple LIDAR units and enhancing scanning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple LIDAR units are used to achieve a wider field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single LIDAR unit is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a polarizing beam splitter and retarder that enable the same hardware to scan across different angular ranges (wide-angle and narrow-angle) by switching polarization states, eliminating the need for multiple separate LIDAR units
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different scanning modes by changing the polarization state of laser beams through a configurable retarder, allowing the beam splitter to redirect beams along different optical paths for wide-angle or narrow-angle scanning as needed
2Area of moving object
If multiple LIDAR units are used to achieve a wider field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single LIDAR unit is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a polarizing beam splitter and retarder that enable the same hardware to scan across different angular ranges (wide-angle and narrow-angle) by switching polarization states, eliminating the need for multiple separate LIDAR units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines wide-angle and narrow-angle scanning capabilities into a single integrated LIDAR unit, merging functions that would traditionally require separate units, thereby reducing overall system cost and simplifying manufacturing
3Productivity
If laser beam polarization is controlled to enhance scanning capabilities, then scanning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the polarization state of the laser beam itself as the control mechanism, where the beam's own property (polarization) determines its routing through the optical system, eliminating the need for external active switching components and simplifying the overall device architecture
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 wider field of view with fewer LIDAR units, improving scanning efficiency and reducing system complexity while enabling effective beam management for enhanced environmental mapping.
Implementation Method 1
The polarizing beam is configured to transmit or reflect the plurality of laser beams exiting the retarder based, at least in part, on the polarization state of the laser beams exiting the retarder
Implementation Method 2
The retarder is configurable in at least a first mode and a second mode to control a polarization state of a plurality of laser beams emitted from each of the plurality of LIDAR units
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a plurality of LIDAR units. Each of the LIDAR units includes a housing defining a cavity. Each of the LIDAR units further includes a plurality of emitters disposed within the cavity. Each of the plurality of emitters is configured to emit a laser beam. The LIDAR system includes a rotating mirror and a retarder. The retarder is configurable in at least a first mode and a second mode to control a polarization state of a plurality of laser beams emitted from each of the plurality of LIDAR units. The LIDAR system includes a polarizing beam splitter positioned relative to the retarder such that the polarizing beam splitter receives a plurality of laser beams exiting the retarder. The polarizing beam is configured to transmit or reflect the plurality of laser beams exiting the retarder based on the polarization state of the laser beams exiting the retarder.