VCSEL Array Layout for LiDAR Beam Overlap and Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VCSEL arrays for LiDAR devices face inefficiencies in laser beam power distribution and coverage, leading to gaps in irradiation regions and reduced accuracy in distance measurement.
Innovation Solution
The proposed VCSEL array configuration includes multiple VCSEL units with specific divergence angles and optic components to ensure overlapping laser beams, minimizing gaps in irradiation and enhancing beam collimation and steering, thereby improving power efficiency and measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If VCSEL units are arranged with larger spacing to cover wider areas, then coverage area is improved, but gaps in irradiation regions occur reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable divergence angles for different VCSEL units, allowing dynamic control of beam spread. This enables the system to adapt beam coverage to fill gaps between units while maintaining precise irradiation patterns for accurate distance measurement, resolving the contradiction between wide coverage and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by configuring different divergence angles for different VCSEL units. By adjusting these optical parameters, the system optimizes beam distribution to ensure continuous coverage without gaps, thereby maintaining both wide area coverage and high measurement accuracy simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If VCSEL units are arranged with smaller spacing to avoid gaps, then measurement accuracy is improved, but laser beam power distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different divergence angles to different VCSEL units based on their specific positions and functions. This localized optimization allows efficient power distribution in high-priority measurement zones while maintaining adequate coverage in other areas, improving overall power efficiency without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the divergence angle parameter for different VCSEL units, the system optimizes power distribution efficiency. Units responsible for critical measurement paths use narrower beams for efficient power concentration, while other units use wider beams for coverage, achieving both accuracy and efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple VCSEL units are added to improve coverage, then irradiation coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VCSEL array into multiple units, each with specific divergence angle configurations optimized for particular spatial zones. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage through coordinated operation of specialized units rather than requiring a single complex high-power unit, thereby managing device complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by configuring different VCSEL units with different divergence angles to perform different spatial coverage functions. This universal approach allows the VCSEL array to cover various areas and angles using multiple specialized units working together, improving coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized VCSEL unit designs.
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 enhances laser beam power efficiency and coverage, reducing gaps in irradiation regions and improving distance measurement accuracy by ensuring comprehensive and precise laser beam distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is a semiconductor laser diode that emits laser beams perpendicularly to an upper surface
Implementation Method 2
a first optic configured to collimate the laser
Implementation Method 3
a second optic configured to steer the laser beam toward a preset direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array, comprising: a first sub-array includes a plurality of VCSEL units arranged along a first axis, and wherein the first sub-array includes: a first VCSEL unit includes a first upper contact and a first bottom contact; and a second VCSEL unit includes a second upper contact and a second bottom contact; a first contact electrically connected to the first upper contact and the second bottom contact; and a second contact electrically connected to the second upper contact and the first bottom contact, wherein the first VCSEL unit is operated when a first voltage is applied to the first contact and a second voltage smaller than the first voltage is applied to the second contact, and wherein the second VCSEL unit is operated when the second voltage is applied to the first contact and the first voltage is applied to the second contact.