Thermal Lattice Mirror Structure for Precise LiDAR Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems require channel structures that can rapidly and accurately adjust steering angles for phase modulation, but existing materials and designs are inadequate for efficient beam steering.
Innovation Solution
A light modulating device with a variable mirror and distributed Bragg mirror structure, utilizing lattice structures with temperature-dependent refractive indices, and a heating portion to control phase modulation, combined with a meta optical device for enhanced phase modulation range and a substrate with heat dissipation features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam steering apparatus uses multiple channels with phase modulation to steer light at constant angles, then the beam steering accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple channels and precise phase control structures
Solution Approach 1:
The variable mirror is segmented into multiple independently controllable channels, each capable of phase modulation. This segmentation allows precise control of light steering by adjusting each channel's phase independently, achieving high beam steering accuracy through distributed phase control across multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking dimension by placing the distributed Bragg mirror above the variable mirror in a layered structure. This dimensional arrangement enables compact integration of multiple functional layers (variable mirror, spacer layer, distributed Bragg mirror) within a small footprint, reducing horizontal space requirements while maintaining phase modulation capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lattice structures are heated to change refractive index for phase modulation, then the phase modulation range is improved, but thermal interference between adjacent channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating portion is divided into multiple independent heating regions corresponding to each channel's lattice structures. This segmentation allows independent thermal control of each channel, enabling broad phase modulation range through localized heating while preventing thermal interference between adjacent channels by isolating heat sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local heating to specific regions where lattice structures are located, rather than uniform heating across the entire device. This localized thermal treatment enables precise phase modulation in targeted areas while minimizing thermal impact on surrounding channels, reducing thermal interference through spatially selective heating
3Volume of moving object
If the distributed Bragg mirror is placed close to the variable mirror to reduce device size, then the device compactness is improved, but the resonant distance control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the variable mirror and the distributed Bragg mirror. This spacer layer serves as a mechanical support structure that precisely defines the resonant distance between the two mirrors, enabling accurate distance control while maintaining compact device dimensions through vertical stacking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the distance control challenge by transitioning from horizontal arrangement to vertical stacking of mirror layers. The resonant distance is controlled in the vertical dimension through the spacer layer thickness, enabling precise distance measurement and control while reducing the device's horizontal footprint
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 solution enables precise and efficient beam steering by modulating incident light into various forms, improving accuracy and reducing thermal interference between channels.
Implementation Method 1
a variable mirror including a plurality of lattice structures, the plurality of lattice structures including a material having a refractive index that changes based on a temperature of the material
Implementation Method 2
a distributed Bragg mirror spaced apart from the variable mirror and provided above the variable mirror, the distributed Bragg mirror including a first material layer and a second material layer that are alternately stacked, and a refractive index of the first material layer being different from a refractive index of the second material layer
Implementation Method 3
The heating portion may include a heater that is electrically heated and configured to heat the plurality of lattice structures
Data Source
AI summary
Provided a light modulating device including a variable mirror including a plurality of lattice structures, the plurality of lattice structures including a material having a refractive index that changes based on a temperature of the material, a distributed Bragg mirror spaced apart from the variable mirror and provided above the variable mirror, the distributed Bragg mirror including a first material layer and a second material layer that are alternately stacked, and a refractive index of the first material layer being different from a refractive index of the second material layer, and a heating portion configured to heat the plurality of lattice structures and provided below the variable mirror opposite to the distributed Bragg mirror.