Segmented Optical Aperture for Custom LIDAR Far-Field Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-based 3D imaging systems face challenges in achieving desired far field patterns with uniformity and efficiency, particularly for large optical apertures, as existing optical elements introduce unwanted optical losses and lack design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The system divides the optical aperture into sub-regions, using optical elements with varying characteristics to selectively divert optical signals, creating a non-uniform intensity distribution across the field of view, thereby achieving desired far field patterns with reduced optical losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional optical elements are used for large optical apertures, then the system can illuminate the field of view, but optical losses increase and design flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical aperture is divided into multiple sub-regions, with each sub-region independently controlled by separate optical elements. This segmentation allows selective diversion of optical signals from specific sub-regions to create customized far field patterns, reducing overall optical losses while maintaining design flexibility for different illumination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical elements with varying characteristics are applied to different sub-regions of the optical aperture. Each sub-region can be optimized independently with appropriate optical elements to achieve desired far field patterns, allowing local optimization that reduces total optical losses while providing adaptability for various design scenarios.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional optical elements are used for large optical apertures, then the system can operate, but power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical aperture into sub-regions and applying optical elements selectively, the system optimizes power distribution across different field of view portions. This allows concentrated illumination where needed while minimizing optical losses in other areas, thereby improving overall power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (such as refractive index, curvature, or material properties) of optical elements across different sub-regions to optimize light transmission efficiency. By adjusting these parameters locally, the system maximizes power efficiency while minimizing optical losses for large aperture configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform optical characteristics are used across the optical aperture, then the system is simpler to manufacture, but the ability to create customized far field patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical aperture is segmented into sub-regions that can be manufactured and optimized independently. Each sub-region can use standardized optical elements for ease of manufacture, while the combination of these sub-regions provides customization capability for various far field patterns through selective activation and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal optical element designs that can be applied across multiple sub-regions with standardized manufacturing processes. These multi-functional optical elements can be configured differently in each sub-region to achieve customized far field patterns, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing adaptability.
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 allows for customizable far field patterns with improved power efficiency and reduced optical losses, enhancing the accuracy and flexibility of light-based 3D imaging systems, especially for larger optical apertures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element that is configured to be arranged on an optical aperture of an emission source... configured to divert a first subset of optical signals from the emission source away from at least one of the respective portions of the field of view
Implementation Method 2
optical element... configured to divert a first subset of the optical signals away from at least one of the respective portions of the field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) apparatus includes an optical aperture, an emitter array including emitter elements arranged and configured to output optical signals through respective sub-regions of the optical aperture to illuminate respective portions of a field of view, and an optical element in at least a portion of the optical path of the optical signals. The optical element is configured to divert a first subset of the optical signals away from the respective portions of the field of view without substantially altering a second subset of the optical signals. Related optical elements and methods of fabrication are also discussed.