Waveguide Array LiDAR Collimation for Beam Size and Angular Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving optimal beam size and angular spacing due to limitations in collimator design, which affects the system's range accuracy and detection sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A novel collimator design is introduced that generates a fan of collimated beams with improved angular spread and beam size, allowing for more efficient scanning and enhanced range-Doppler capabilities in LIDAR systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional collimators are used to produce multiple beams, then beam collimation is achieved, but beam size and angular spacing cannot be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses an array of multiple waveguides instead of a single collimator to generate multiple beams. Each waveguide acts as an independent beam source, allowing simultaneous optimization of beam size and angular spacing through the geometric arrangement of the waveguide array elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical collimators with an integrated photonic waveguide array. This substitution eliminates the trade-offs inherent in mechanical collimator design by using optical waveguides to directly generate and shape multiple beams with precise angular spacing through their physical layout.
2Shape
If large beam collimators are used, then desired beam size is achieved, but angular spacing cannot be sufficiently small
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional collimator approach to a two-dimensional waveguide array configuration. This allows independent control of beam size (through waveguide dimensions) and angular spacing (through array geometry), resolving the contradiction by adding a spatial dimension to the design space.
3Ease of operation
If array collimators are used to produce closely spaced beams, then angular spacing is improved, but beam size becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the beam generation function across multiple waveguide elements in an array configuration. Each waveguide produces an individually optimized beam with adequate size, while the array arrangement provides the desired small angular spacing between adjacent beams, achieving both objectives simultaneously.
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 new collimator design enables improved scanning efficiency and accuracy, allowing for more precise range and speed measurements of objects, which is particularly beneficial for autonomous vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
A waveguide array generates a plurality of beams such that each beam is transmitted from a respective waveguide in the array
Implementation Method 2
A collimator shapes the plurality of beams into a fan of collimated beams
Implementation Method 3
A polygon scanner adjusts a direction of the fan in a second plane that is different than the first plane
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle includes a LIDAR system that includes a waveguide array, a collimator configured to receive a plurality of beams from the waveguide array and output a plurality of collimated beams, and a scanner configured to adjust a direction of the plurality of collimated beams. The vehicle also includes one or more processors configured to determine a range to an object based on a return signal received from reflection or scattering of the plurality of collimated beams by the object and to control operation of at least one of a steering system or the braking system based on the range.