Optical Waveguide Array Beam Steering for LiDAR Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photodetection systems face challenges in performing efficient distance measurements while actively changing the direction and shape of a light beam, often requiring complex apparatus configurations that are prone to vibration and have limited scanning ranges.
Innovation Solution
A photodetection system comprising an optical waveguide array, a phase shifter array, a control circuit, a photodetector, and a signal processing circuit, which actively controls the direction and shape of a light beam by adjusting the phase shifters and refractive indices of the optical waveguides, enabling efficient distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional photodetection systems use complex apparatus configurations to change light beam direction, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and vibration susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems with an optical phased array that uses electronic phase control of individual antenna elements to steer the light beam. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts and complex apparatus configurations while maintaining distance measurement capability through active direction control of the light beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of light waves at each antenna element to control the direction and shape of the light beam. By adjusting phase shift amounts and input light amounts at each element, the system actively changes beam direction without mechanical movement, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use mechanical scanning apparatus, then light beam direction can be changed, but scanning range is limited and vibration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning apparatus with an optical phased array that uses electronic phase modulation to steer the light beam. This eliminates mechanical components that cause vibration and limit scanning range, enabling broader scanning capabilities through purely electronic control of light propagation direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of light beam direction through real-time adjustment of phase shifters and optical switches. The system can actively change beam direction and shape on-demand without mechanical inertia or vibration, enhancing both scanning range and reliability through dynamic electronic control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical phased array controls phase of light at each antenna element, then direction and shape of light beam can be varied, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent antenna elements, each with its own phase shifter and optical switch. This segmentation allows independent control of each element to achieve desired beam direction and shape, while modular architecture manages complexity through standardized repeated units rather than a monolithic complex system.
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 efficient distance measurement by actively controlling the light beam's direction and shape, reducing the complexity of the apparatus configuration and enhancing scanning range capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a control circuit that controls a phase shift amount of each of the plurality of phase shifters and/or inputting of light to each of the plurality of phase shifters and thereby controls a direction and shape of the light beam
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector that detects the light beam reflected by a physical object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scan device includes an optical waveguide array, including a plurality of optical waveguides each of which propagates light along a first direction, that emits a light beam, the plurality of optical waveguides being arranged in a second direction that intersects the first direction, a phase shifter array including a plurality of phase shifters connected separately to each of the plurality of optical waveguides, a control circuit that controls a phase shift amount of each of the plurality of phase shifters and/or inputting of light to each of the plurality of phase shifters and thereby controls a direction and shape of the light beam that is emitted from the optical waveguide array, a photodetector that detects the light beam reflected by a physical object, and a signal processing circuit that generates distance distribution data on the basis of output from the photodetector.