Spatial Light Modulator for LiDAR Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems face challenges in achieving high reliability and efficient beam steering for advanced driving assistance and autonomous driving applications, as existing beam steering methods are either mechanically complex or lack precision in non-mechanical approaches.
Innovation Solution
A spatial light modulator design featuring a first reflective layer, a cavity layer, and a second reflective layer with lattice structures comprising p-type, intrinsic, and n-type semiconductor layers, where the thickness and doping concentrations of these layers are optimized to control light phase modulation and reflectivity, enabling precise beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical beam steering methods are used (rotating light source, rotating mirror, moving spherical lens), then beam steering capability is achieved, but device complexity and reliability are worsened due to mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering components (rotating mirrors, moving lenses) with a non-mechanical spatial light modulator that uses electrically controlled phase modulation. The SLM consists of a semiconductor layer with p-n junctions that can dynamically adjust light phase through electrical signals, eliminating all mechanical moving parts while achieving the same beam steering functionality through optical phase control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from mechanical position to electrical voltage/current control. By applying different voltages to the p-n junctions in the semiconductor layer, the refractive index and thus the light phase are dynamically adjusted, enabling beam steering through parameter modulation rather than physical movement
2Device complexity
If non-mechanical beam steering methods are used (semiconductor device, reflective phased array), then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and beam steering accuracy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a spatially varying phase profile across the semiconductor layer. Different regions of the p-n junction structure are doped with different concentrations, and voltages are applied locally to specific pixel elements, enabling precise spatial control of light phase at each position to achieve accurate beam steering without mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure combining p-type and n-type semiconductor layers to form p-n junctions. This composite structure enables electrical control of optical properties through the interaction of different semiconductor materials, achieving both structural simplicity and high precision beam steering through the combined electrical-optical functionality
3Power
If semiconductor layers with optimized thickness ratios (8%-16% for p-type and n-type relative to intrinsic layer) are used, then phase modulation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameters of p-type and n-type semiconductor layers to specific ratios (8%-16% of the intrinsic layer thickness) to achieve maximum phase modulation efficiency. By carefully controlling these dimensional parameters during manufacturing, the device achieves enhanced optical performance while the standardized ratio specification simplifies the manufacturing process through clear target values
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 spatial light modulator enhances the reliability and precision of LiDAR systems by effectively controlling light phase and direction, improving the accuracy of distance, speed, and azimuth measurements in LiDAR applications.
Implementation Method 1
spatial light modulators capable of controlling a phase of emission light
Implementation Method 2
controlling a phase of emission light
Implementation Method 3
a first reflective layer, a cavity layer provided on the first reflective layer, and a second reflective layer provided on the cavity layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light modulator including a first reflective layer, a cavity layer provided on the first reflective layer, and a second reflective layer provided on the cavity layer opposite to the first reflective layer, the second reflective layer including a plurality of lattice structures, wherein each lattice structure of the plurality of lattice structures have a pin diode structure and includes a p-type semiconductor layer, an intrinsic semiconductor layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer, and wherein a thickness of the p-type semiconductor layer and a thickness the n-type semiconductor layer are in a range from 8% to 16% of a thickness of the intrinsic semiconductor layer.