Wedge Prism LiDAR Scanner Eliminates Beam Splitter Energy Loss

The patent removes the beam splitter from the optical path entirely. Instead of using a beam splitter to redirect the returned laser beam, the system uses a scanner that can independently steer both the emitted and received beams. The scanner rotates around a rotation axis and uses a rotating mirror to deflect the returned beam directly to the receiver without passing through a beam splitter, thereby eliminating the 50% energy loss associated with beam splitting.

The scanner serves multiple functions: it steers the emitted laser beam toward the target object and also steers the returned laser beam to the receiver. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate beam splitting components. The rotating mirror in the scanner can direct beams in different directions based on the angle of incidence, allowing it to handle both transmission and reception functions with a single optical component.

The patent extracts the beam splitting function from the system by removing the beam splitter entirely. The scanner's rotating mirror takes over the beam steering function, directing the returned beam to the receiver without the energy loss and performance limitations of a beam splitter. This extraction of the problematic component resolves the contradiction between receiver positioning flexibility and system performance.

The patent replaces the passive optical beam splitter with an active mechanical scanning system using a rotating mirror. The rotating mirror can dynamically adjust the beam direction based on the scanner's rotation angle, providing both the positioning flexibility and the high light collection capability needed for reliable system performance. The mechanical rotation allows the same component to handle both emitted and returned beams effectively.