Semiconductor Light Source for Simultaneous Bidirectional Optical Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light beam transmission and reception systems for data communication and object detection in vehicles often require separate light-emitting diodes and photodiodes with distinct wavelengths, which can be complex and inefficient, especially for Li-Fi communication that needs simultaneous transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor light source comprising a set of sub-millimeter light-emitting rods of different dimensions, where one set is dedicated to emission at a first wavelength and another set to reception at a second wavelength, forming entangled zones with rods connected in a specific configuration, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of light beams using the same optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate light-emitting diodes and photodiodes with distinct wavelengths are used for transmission and reception, then transmission and reception functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmission and reception functions into a single semiconductor light source by integrating multiple light-emitting rods with different wavelengths into one device. The emission zone contains rods for transmitting light at a first wavelength while the reception zone contains rods for receiving light at a second wavelength, allowing both functions to coexist in a unified structure rather than requiring separate diodes and optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor light source is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can transmit light beams at one wavelength and receive light beams at another wavelength using the same physical device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated transmission and reception components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable bidirectional optical communication capability
2Reliability
If different optical devices with separate optical axes are used for emission and reception diodes, then correct light beam distribution and focusing are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical systems for emission and reception by using a single shared optical device instead of separate optical devices for each function. The emission zone and reception zone both utilize the same optical components, eliminating redundant optical elements and simplifying the overall optical path while maintaining proper light beam distribution and focusing for both transmission and reception operations
3Reliability
If a single complex optical device with two separate optical axes is used, then transmission and reception at similar wavelengths are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the semiconductor light source into distinct emission and reception zones within the same device structure. The emission zone contains light-emitting rods dedicated to transmitting light at a first wavelength, while the reception zone contains light-emitting rods dedicated to receiving light at a second wavelength. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while sharing common optical infrastructure, reducing complexity compared to a single complex optical device with separate optical axes
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 configuration enables efficient and simultaneous transmission and reception of light beams, improving the luminance and density of the light source, and allows for versatile applications in vehicle lighting, signaling, and communication systems, including Li-Fi, while reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of three-dimensional semiconductor sources dedicated to emission of a light beam substantially at a first wavelength and a second set of three-dimensional semiconductor sources dedicated to receiving a light beam substantially at a second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the same shaping optics associated with the zone of emission and to the reception zone of said light source
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a semiconductor light source comprising a plurality of electroluminescent rods (61,62) of submillimeter dimensions. The source is characterized in that at least some rods (61) are electrically connected to each other in a first set dedicated to emitting a light beam substantially at a first wavelength, and other rods (62) are electrically connected to each other in a second set dedicated to receiving a light beam substantially at a second wavelength, the first set and the second set forming respectively a distinct emission zone and a distinct reception zone.