Wedge-and-Slab Imaging Optics for Compact LiDAR Receivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in collecting sufficient light due to the small receiving area of OPA receivers, which is inadequate for meeting optical link budget requirements, and the use of collection lenses results in impractical thickness and parallax issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wedge and slab arrangement in the imaging component, which directs light into waveguide-based receivers while maintaining phase front control, allowing for high coupling efficiency and reducing optical path thickness, and the use of a transceiver design that separates transmitting and receiving optical paths to avoid parallax.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collection lens is used to increase the receiving area, then light collection efficiency is improved, but system thickness becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a wedge-shaped element to fold the optical path, transforming a linear thickness problem into a lateral dimension solution. The wedge redirects light at an angle, allowing the receiver to be positioned laterally offset from the transmitter while maintaining an effective collection area, thereby solving the thickness problem without sacrificing light collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge acts as an intermediary optical element that mediates between the collection lens and the receiver. It redirects the collected light from the lens to the receiver position, enabling the receiver to be placed in a location that minimizes system thickness while still receiving sufficient light.
2Reliability
If the receiving area is increased to meet optical link budget requirements, then light collection is improved, but parallax errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric wedge configuration where the wedge angle and positioning are specifically designed to create a controlled offset between the transmitter and receiver optical paths. This asymmetric arrangement allows the receiver to be laterally displaced to reduce parallax while the wedge geometry compensates to maintain proper light collection, thereby resolving the contradiction between receiving area and measurement precision.
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 design enables efficient light collection and coupling into PIC waveguides, reducing system thickness and minimizing parallax errors, facilitating compact and effective LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
the wedge and slab arrangement in the imaging component, which directs light into waveguide-based receivers while maintaining phase front control
Implementation Method 2
the wedge and slab arrangement in the imaging component, which directs light into waveguide-based receivers
Implementation Method 3
a lens configured to focus light of the receiving optical path onto the PIC receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging component for receiving light, the imaging component comprising a photonic integrated circuit, PIC, receiver, a slab, a wedge, and a lens the wedge having a front surface and an opposing back surface, the imaging component arranged to define a receiving optical path through the front surface of the wedge, the receiving optical path continuing through the wedge and through the slab to the PIC receiver, the lens being configured to focus light of the receiving optical path onto the PIC receiver.