Scan-Less 3D LiDAR Using WDM and Lens Position-to-Angle Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D optical sensing and LiDAR systems rely on mechanical scanning, which is prone to wear, high cost, and limited scanning speed, and optical phased arrays face challenges with beam size and precise phase control, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A scan-less 3D sensing/LiDAR design utilizing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and position-to-angle conversion of a lens, where light beams of different wavelengths are demultiplexed into fibers/waveguides on a focal plane, allowing beam direction based on position, and returned signals are demultiplexed for distance measurement without mechanical scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical scanning is used in LiDAR systems, then beam direction can be controlled, but the system suffers from wear, high cost, and limited scanning speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an optical phased array that uses electronic phase control to steer beams. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and increases scanning speed by using electronic rather than mechanical means for beam direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering through real-time phase modulation of individual array elements. This allows the beam direction to be changed rapidly and continuously without mechanical movement, resolving the contradiction between scanning speed and mechanical reliability.
2Reliability
If optical phased arrays are used for beam scanning, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but beam size control and precise phase control become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into discrete array elements, each capable of independent phase control. This segmentation allows precise control of the overall beam phase through control of individual elements, resolving the challenge of achieving precise phase control in optical phased arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls beam characteristics by changing the phase parameter of individual array elements. By modulating the phase of each element independently, the system achieves precise beam steering and focusing without mechanical components, addressing the phase control precision challenge.
3Productivity
If wavelength division multiplexing is used to increase channel capacity, then more distance measurements can be made simultaneously, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wavelength division multiplexing to allow multiple distance measurements to occur simultaneously at different wavelengths. Each wavelength channel performs the same ranging function independently, increasing productivity while managing complexity through standardized multi-functional channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the measurement system, allowing multiple measurements to be conducted in parallel across different spectral channels. This dimensional expansion increases measurement capacity while the modular nature of WDM components helps manage the associated 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 achieves high angular resolution and reduced complexity, power consumption, and cost, with improved beam quality and immunity to vibrations, suitable for applications in autonomous vehicles and 3D reality capturing.
Implementation Method 1
a lens spaced from the different photonic chips and shared by the different photonic chips to receive light from the different photonic chips and to direct returned light back to the different photonic chips
Implementation Method 2
a first wavelength division demultiplexing device supported by the substrate to receive the optical beam from the optical circulator or coupler and to separate the received optical beam into different optical beams at the different laser wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
an array of optical waveguides supported by the substrate and structured to include first waveguide ports, respectively, which are coupled to receive the different optical beams at the different laser wavelengths
Implementation Method 4
an optical circulator or coupler supported by a corresponding substrate to receive an optical beam of laser light at different laser wavelengths and re-direct the optical beam
Implementation Method 5
an optical detector array of photodetectors supported by the substrate and coupled to receive the different returned optical beams at the different laser wavelengths from the second wavelength division demultiplexing device
Implementation Method 6
The lens is further operable to receive and direct returned light at the different laser wavelengths to the second waveguide ports, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is devices and techniques for 3D LiDAR sensing without beam scanning with moving parts or 2D optical imaging based on the combination of a lens' position-to-angle conversion and the wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing (WDM) in the output probe light for LiDAR sensing. This 3D LiDAR sensing can be implemented on stacked photonic integrated chips to provide.