VCSEL Measuring Device for Directional Velocity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices using semiconductor lasers for non-contact position or velocity detection face challenges in accurately determining the direction of movement and velocity of objects due to limitations in modulating laser oscillation with feedback lights.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device employing a Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) emitting first-order single-mode laser beams, driven by a specific signal to modulate light intensity, and utilizing impedance change and frequency component analysis to calculate the direction and velocity of moving objects based on feedback lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a semiconductor laser is used to detect position or velocity of an object, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but the direction of movement cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser beam into multiple beams (at least two) diverging in different directions. Each beam interacts with the object independently, and by comparing the feedback signals from different beams, the system can determine both velocity and direction of movement. This segmentation of the single beam into multiple beams resolves the limitation of无法 determining movement direction.
2Reliability
If feedback lights are amplified in a laser medium to modulate laser oscillation, then self-coupling effect is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser light source, the laser medium providing self-coupling effect, and the detection system into an integrated structure. The feedback lights from the object are directly coupled back into the laser medium to modulate the oscillation, merging multiple functions into a unified system. This reduces device complexity while maintaining detection reliability through the self-coupling effect.
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
Enables precise detection of object movement direction and velocity with reduced component complexity and manufacturing steps, resulting in a cost-effective and reliable measuring device.
Implementation Method 1
A Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) of a first-order or high-order single mode emitting laser beams
Implementation Method 2
The self-coupling effect means that the feedback lights or reflected lights are amplified in a laser medium, and are thus caused to modulate the laser oscillation
Implementation Method 3
driven by a specific signal to modulate light intensity
Implementation Method 4
a detecting part configured to detect an electric signal relating to feedback lights generated when laser beams are projected onto an object
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device includes a VCSEL of a first-order or high-order single mode emitting laser beams, a driving part configured to drive the VCSEL, a detecting part configured to detect an electric signal relating to feedback lights generated when laser beams are projected onto an object, and a calculating part configured to identify a direction of movement of the object on the basis of the electric signal detected by the detecting part.