Prism Wedge Pair Reduces LIDAR Beam Aberrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges with increased aberrations and angular separation when multiple optical beams are used with a single output lens, leading to higher costs and reduced performance due to beam decenter and increased numerical aperture.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual prism architecture with collimating and focusing lenses for each optical beam, which reduces the pitch between beams by redirecting them towards the output lens, minimizing decenter and aberrations, and adjusting the prism wedge angles to achieve reduced angular separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple optical sources are used to increase frame rates and scanning points, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple optical sources and lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical beams into a single output lens by using a one-dimensional array of optical sources with reduced pitch, allowing multiple beams to share one lens rather than requiring separate lenses for each source
Solution Approach 2:
The single output lens serves multiple functions by handling multiple optical beams simultaneously, making one component perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple lenses
2Device complexity
If multiple optical beams are added using a single output lens, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to increased beam decenter and aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pitch parameter of the optical source array to a reduced value, allowing multiple beams to be closely spaced and properly aligned on the output lens, thereby reducing decenter and aberration effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring each optical beam is properly positioned and aligned at specific locations on the output lens, maintaining beam quality even with multiple beams sharing the lens
3Device complexity
If multiple optical beams are added using a single output lens, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to increased aberration content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the pitch between optical sources and adjusts the angular separation parameter to less than two degrees, which minimizes the angular spread and reduces aberration content in the output beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a one-dimensional array of optical sources rather than a two-dimensional array, providing just enough separation to maintain beam quality while reducing the number of sources needed compared to a full 2D array
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 reduces aberrations and angular separation between output beams, allowing for more optical sources without increasing the focal length of the output lens, thereby enhancing the cost-effectiveness and performance of the LIDAR system.
Implementation Method 1
a first collimating lens to collimate the first optical beam
Implementation Method 2
a first focusing lens to focus the first optical beam on a front surface of a second prism wedge
Implementation Method 3
a first prism wedge of a first prism wedge pair to redirect the first optical beam
Implementation Method 4
a first prism wedge of a first prism wedge pair to redirect the first optical beam
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes a first optical source to generate a first optical beam, a first collimating lens to collimate the first optical beam, a first prism wedge of a first prism wedge pair to redirect the first optical beam, and a first focusing lens to focus the first optical beam on a front surface of a second prism wedge of the first prism wedge pair, the second prism wedge to direct the first optical beam toward an output lens.