Thermal Phase Shifter LiDAR Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems face inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to interference and complex processing, particularly with solid-state optical phase array systems, which can result in inaccurate target detection and restricted practical field of view, while mechanical systems are bulky and limited by environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an array of solid-state optical energy emitters coupled to a controller and antennae, with phase shifters having heating elements extending between waveguides, allows for efficient thermal energy application to optimize light detection and ranging, enhancing reliability, accuracy, and efficiency by reducing power consumption and enabling quicker transitions between light beam steering angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If solid-state optical phase array systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference and complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the optical beam control into multiple independent phase shifters, each controlling a specific waveguide. This segmentation allows independent phase adjustment without complex interactions, reducing interference while maintaining precision in target detection and ranging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems with solid-state optical phase array systems that use electronic phase control through heating elements. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while achieving precise beam steering through controlled thermal phase shifts in the waveguides.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical LiDAR systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases and adaptability deteriorates due to environmental limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with solid-state optical phase array technology that uses electronic control and thermal phase shifting. This eliminates environmental limitations on mechanical systems while maintaining measurement precision through controlled phase modulation of light waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using thermal phase shifts controlled by heating elements to modulate the phase of light in waveguides. This allows adaptive beam steering and environmental compensation without mechanical movement, improving adaptability to various environmental conditions.
3Speed
If conventional phase shifters are used, then beam steering is achieved, but power consumption increases and speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed heating through the heating elements rather than continuous heating. This periodic action allows rapid phase switching for fast beam steering while reducing overall power consumption by heating only when phase changes are required, enabling quick transitions between steering angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes thermal phase transitions in the waveguide materials controlled by heating elements. By inducing controlled phase changes in the optical path through thermal effects, the system achieves rapid beam steering without the inertia and power consumption associated with mechanical systems.
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 improves the reliability and accuracy of object detection and ranging by minimizing power consumption and enabling faster beam steering, thus overcoming the limitations of existing LiDAR systems, particularly in terms of interference and environmental adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
Each emitter is coupled to a phase shifter that has a first waveguide and a second waveguide with a heating element continuously extending between the respective waveguides
Implementation Method 2
Each emitter is coupled to a phase shifter that has a first waveguide and a second waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging system can have an array of solid-state optical energy emitters coupled to a controller and at least one antennae. Each emitter may be coupled to a phase shifter that has a first waveguide and a second waveguide with a heating element continuously extending between the respective waveguides.