Wavelength Multiplexing LiDAR Steering via Dispersion Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems using a single light source with mechanical pulse steering face complexity and ambiguity issues due to increased mechanical components and limited scanning capabilities, particularly when trying to increase point density and range simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple light sources producing pulses of different wavelengths and dispersion optics to direct pulses based on wavelength, allowing for overlapping scan areas and fine adjustments without mechanical complexity, enabling efficient scanning of various ranges with higher point density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then scanning efficiency and point density are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pulse steering systems with a dispersion optic-based wavelength multiplexing system. Instead of using mechanical scanners to direct single-wavelength pulses, the system uses multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths that are spatially separated by a dispersion optic, eliminating complex mechanical components while achieving multi-directional scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light pulses to achieve different scanning directions and ranges. By using light sources with different wavelengths (e.g., 1550nm for long range, 905nm for short range) and utilizing wavelength-dependent dispersion, the system achieves versatile scanning without mechanical complexity
2Length of stationary object
If mechanical pulse steering is used to increase scanning coverage, then range capability is improved, but point density decreases due to limited scanning resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning task by wavelength, assigning different wavelength ranges to different distance ranges. Long-wavelength pulses (1550nm) are used for distant targets while short-wavelength pulses (905nm) are used for nearby targets, allowing each wavelength channel to be optimized for its specific range, thereby achieving both extended range capability and high point density simultaneously
3Device complexity
If a single light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but scanning versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal scanning system where multiple light sources serving different functions (different wavelengths for different ranges) share a common dispersion optic and detection path. This multi-functional architecture allows the system to adapt to various scanning scenarios (long-range, short-range, different point densities) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
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 simplifies the LiDAR system design, increases scanning efficiency, and achieves higher point density and range capabilities compared to mechanical-only systems, while maintaining reliability and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A pulse steering system includes a dispersion optic configured to receive along a receive path the first pulse and the second pulse from the light source and to direct the first pulse along a first scan path and the second pulse along a second scan path different than the first scan path
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR system includes a steering system and a light source. In some cases, the steering system includes a rotatable polygon with reflective sides and/or a dispersion optic. The light source produces light signals, such as light pulses. In some cases, the light sources products light pulses at different incident angles and/or different wavelengths. The steering system scans the light signals. In some cases, the light pulses are scanned based on the wavelength of the light pulses.