Waveguide LiDAR Receiver Aperture Layout for Background Light Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light detectors, such as silicon photomultipliers, are susceptible to adverse background effects from extraneous light sources, which can affect measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a lens, opaque material with an aperture, waveguide, and mirror configuration to focus and guide light to an array of detectors, selectively filtering background light and increasing detection area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light detectors are arranged into arrays to detect light over a substantial geometric area, then detection area is improved, but susceptibility to adverse background effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection area into multiple segments by using an array of individual light detectors arranged in specific patterns. Each detector covers a portion of the total detection area, allowing the system to maintain large coverage while managing background interference through individual detector control and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning light detectors at specific locations within the detection area where background light interference is minimized. The detectors are strategically placed to optimize their detection capability while reducing exposure to adverse background effects from extraneous light sources.
2Measurement precision
If light detectors are made sensitive to low intensities to enhance detection qualities, then detection sensitivity is improved, but susceptibility to background effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using optical elements (lenses, mirrors, and apertures) to pre-focus and direct light onto the detectors before detection occurs. This preliminary optical processing ensures that only light from the intended target area reaches the sensitive detectors, reducing background interference while maintaining sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical components between the light sources and the detectors. These intermediaries (lenses, mirrors, apertures) act as mediators that selectively transmit desired light while blocking unwanted background light, allowing sensitive detectors to operate without direct exposure to adverse background effects.
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
Reduces background light interference, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of light detection by maintaining detector sensitivity and reducing saturation.
Implementation Method 1
a lens disposed relative to a scene and configured to focus light from the scene
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide guides the received light toward a second side of the waveguide opposite to the first side
Implementation Method 3
a mirror disposed along a propagation path of the guided light. The mirror reflects the guided light toward the third side of the waveguide
Implementation Method 4
an array of light detectors that detects the reflected light propagating out of the third side of the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to limitation of noise on light detectors using an aperture. One example implementation includes a system. The system includes a lens disposed relative to a scene. The lens focuses light from the scene. The system also includes an opaque material that defines an aperture. The system also includes a waveguide having a first side that receives light focused by the lens and transmitted through the aperture. The waveguide guides the received light toward a second side of the waveguide opposite to the first side. The waveguide has a third side extending between the first side and the second side. The system also includes a mirror that reflects the guided light toward the third side of the waveguide. The system also includes an array of light detectors that detects the reflected light propagating out of the third side.