System and method of optical scanning with detection of return signals using a star coupler
US12411215B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 2021 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B27/0087
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A LIDAR system or the like uses a star coupler to distribute an input light beam over a steerable array. The input light beam is injected through an input signal waveguide on the input side of the star coupler. The light returning after reflecting from external objects is directed back through the star coupler to one or more waveguides on the input side. Return light is detected in one or more waveguides on the input side that are displaced from the input signal waveguide. In embodiments, the beam direction of the steerable array changes during the round-trip transit time of the returning light. This causes the returning light to arrive off-axis, which in turn causes it to couple into one or more of the displaced input-side waveguides instead of coupling back into the input signal waveguide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.