Solid-State LIDAR Transmitter Using VCSEL Arrays for Fast 3D Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles rely on mechanical scanning with a limited number of lasers, which hinders fast scanning rates, integration reliability, and wide environmental operating ranges.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state, pulsed time-of-flight LIDAR system using a two-dimensional VCSEL array with individually controllable laser emitters and a compact transmit optical assembly that employs two microlens arrays and a bulk lens to achieve high-resolution, fast scanning, and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mechanical scanning with a limited number of lasers is used, then the system structure is simpler, but the scanning rate is slow and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning rateVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a solid-state VCSEL array that uses electronic control to achieve fast scanning rates. The VCSEL array with microlens arrays eliminates moving mechanical parts while maintaining scanning capability, directly resolving the contradiction between scanning speed and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the laser source into a two-dimensional array of multiple VCSEL elements, each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple laser beams, dramatically increasing the scanning rate without requiring complex mechanical scanning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If mechanical scanning systems are used, then the device complexity is lower, but the integration reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration reliabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical scanning components in favor of a solid-state VCSEL array with electronic beam control. This substitution removes mechanical failure points and improves integration reliability while maintaining the functional capability of environmental scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single laser with mechanical scanning to achieve coverage, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple fixed VCSELs in an array that electronically steer beams to cover the same field of view, thereby improving reliability through solid-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If conventional bulk lenses are used in the transmit optical assembly, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the beam focus and resolution are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam focus and resolutionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces a single bulk lens with multiple microlens arrays, where each microlens corresponds to individual VCSEL elements or groups. This segmentation enables precise beam focusing and control for each laser element, significantly improving resolution and beam quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microlens arrays provide localized optical optimization for each VCSEL element in the array, allowing each beam to be precisely focused and shaped according to its specific requirements, thereby achieving high measurement precision across the entire field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system achieves high-resolution 3D mapping with improved scanning rates, reliability, and extended operating ranges, enabling effective integration into autonomous vehicles while maintaining low costs.

Implementation Method 1

A solid-state, pulsed time-of-flight LIDAR system uses a two-dimensional VCSEL array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a compact transmit optical assembly that employs two microlens arrays and a bulk lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

A solid-state, pulsed time-of-flight LIDAR system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20250138159A1High-Resolution Solid-State LIDAR Transmitter

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 OPSYS TECH LTD

AI summary

A solid-state LIDAR transmitter includes a laser array comprising first and second laser pixels that each generate first and second sub-aperture beams. A first microlens focuses first and second sub-aperture beams generated by the first laser pixel and focuses first and second sub-aperture beams generated by the second laser pixel. A second microlens directs the first and second sub-aperture beams generated by the first pixel such that they overlap at a plane. A lens projects the first sub-aperture beam generated by the first laser pixel and the first sub-aperture beam generated by the second laser pixel with a different angle in the far field in order to achieve a desired spatial resolution of the LIDAR system.