Optical Waveguide Array for Vibration-Resistant LiDAR Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices are complex and prone to vibration, with existing techniques requiring intricate structures and mechanisms for two-dimensional scanning, such as rotating mirrors and phase shifters, which complicate the device and limit robustness and scanning range.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning device utilizing a waveguide element with a pair of opposed mirrors and an optical waveguide layer, where the refractive index and thickness of the waveguide layer are adjusted to change the emission direction of light, enabling one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning with a simpler structure by controlling the phase differences of light beams across multiple waveguide elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rotating mirrors and phase shifters are used for optical scanning, then scanning functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotating mirrors with an optical phased array system that uses electronic phase control. Multiple antenna elements emit light beams whose phases are controlled electronically to achieve scanning without mechanical movement. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical/electronic systems directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining scanning functionality while eliminating complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in an array. Each element can be controlled independently with its own phase shifter, allowing the system to achieve scanning through coordinated emission from segmented elements rather than a single complex mechanical scanner. This segmentation enables functional equivalence to rotating mirrors while using simpler, modular components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotating mirrors are used for optical scanning, then scanning range is achieved, but reliability decreases due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical rotating mirrors entirely, replacing them with a stationary optical phased array. The scanning function is achieved through electronic phase modulation of light from multiple fixed antenna elements rather than physical rotation. This removes moving parts that generate vibration, thereby maintaining full scanning range while significantly improving reliability and robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves dynamic scanning functionality through electronic phase control rather than mechanical movement. By dynamically adjusting the phase of light emitted from different antenna elements, the system creates a moving beam pattern without physical motion. This dynamic electronic control provides the same scanning range as mechanical systems while eliminating vibration-related reliability issues.
3Device complexity
If multiple waveguide elements with phase control are used, then device structure is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple identical or similar antenna element copies arranged in an array. Each element is a replicated version of the basic waveguide structure, which simplifies the overall device design compared to complex mechanical systems. The manufacturing precision challenge is managed through standardization of the replicated elements and use of established semiconductor fabrication processes for waveguides and phase shifters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves scanning functionality by changing the phase parameter of light emitted from different antenna elements rather than changing physical positions or mechanical configurations. This parameter-based control simplifies the device structure by eliminating mechanical components while the precision requirements are addressed through electronic phase control mechanisms that can achieve fine adjustments with standard fabrication tolerances.
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 approach allows for effective one-dimensional and two-dimensional optical scanning without the need for complex structures, enhancing robustness and scanning range while maintaining a relatively simple device design, suitable for applications like LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide layer that is located between the first mirror and the second mirror and propagates light inputted to the first waveguide and transmitted through the first waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The first mirror has a higher light transmittance than the second mirror and allows part of the light propagating through the optical waveguide layer to be emitted to the outside of the optical waveguide layer
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical scanning device includes a waveguide array including a plurality of waveguide elements arranged in a first direction. Each of the plurality of waveguide elements includes: an optical waveguide layer that propagates light supplied to the waveguide, in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first mirror extending in the second direction and having a first reflecting surface that intersects a third direction, and a second mirror extending in the second direction and having a second reflecting surface that faces the first reflecting surface of the first mirror. The optical waveguide layer is located between the first mirror and the second mirror and has a variable thickness and/or a variable refractive index for the light. The width of the first mirror in the first direction and/or the width of the second mirror in the first direction is larger than the width of the optical waveguide layer in the first direction. The first mirror has a higher light transmittance than the second mirror and allows part of the light propagating through the optical waveguide layer to be emitted in the third direction.