Variable Wavelength Light Source for LiDAR Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical measurement systems for advanced driving assistance systems and autonomous vehicles face limitations in beam steering due to the fixed wavelength range of traditional light sources, which restricts the variability and accuracy of laser beam steering in LiDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
A variable wavelength light source is developed, comprising two waveguides with different gain media and resonators, allowing for adjustable wavelengths by varying the voltage or current applied to the resonators, and integrated with an optical phased array for beam direction control, enabling a wider wavelength range and improved beam steering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single gain medium is used in the optical amplifier, then the device structure is simple, but the variable wavelength range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplifier is divided into multiple gain media sections, each with different gain characteristics. The first gain medium and second gain medium are arranged in sequence within the same optical amplifier structure, allowing each segment to contribute to amplification at different wavelength ranges, thereby extending the overall variable wavelength range while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both the first gain medium and second gain medium within a single device. This multi-functional design allows the amplifier to support a broader wavelength range without requiring separate amplification devices for each wavelength band, thus extending adaptability while controlling structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the gain medium is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the beam steering accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical amplifier are assigned different gain media with specific characteristics optimized for particular wavelength ranges. The first gain medium and second gain medium are positioned at different locations within the amplifier structure, allowing each region to provide localized amplification properties that enhance overall beam steering accuracy across multiple wavelength bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical amplifier employs a composite structure combining multiple gain media with different material properties. This composite approach integrates the advantages of each gain medium to achieve superior beam steering accuracy across a broader spectrum, while the integrated manufacturing process maintains ease of production through standardized fabrication techniques.
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 provides an extendable variable wavelength range, enhancing the steering range and accuracy of laser beams in LiDAR systems, which is crucial for advanced driving assistance and autonomous vehicle applications, by allowing for precise control of light emission directions and wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical amplifier provided on a top surface of the first waveguide and comprising a first gain medium; and a second optical amplifier provided on a top surface of the second waveguide and comprising a second gain medium that is different from the first gain medium
Implementation Method 2
first and second resonators provided between the first waveguide and the second waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a first waveguide; a second waveguide spaced apart from the first waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A variable wavelength light source and an apparatus including the same are disclosed. The variable wavelength light source includes: a first waveguide; a second waveguide spaced apart from the first waveguide; a first optical amplifier including a first gain medium; and a second optical amplifier including a second gain medium that is different from the first gain medium.