LIDAR PHOTONIC ISOLATOR
A light detection and ranging system can consists of an optical emitter and optical detector each connected to a controller. An isolator may be coupled to the optical emitter and be constructed of photonic crystals that exhibit a high group index to allow broadband operation with a reduced physical length.
1 . An apparatus comprising an optical isolator coupled to an optical source, the optical isolator consisting of a first waveguide having a high group index and a second waveguide having a low group index, the first waveguide and second waveguide configured to collectively allowing a predetermined wavelength of light energy to be emitted from the optical source to a target downrange.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical isolator further comprises a third waveguide having a low group index.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the low group index of the second waveguide and third waveguide are different.
4 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the low group index of the second waveguide matches the low group index of the third waveguide.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide contacts the second waveguide.
6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the second waveguide is positioned between the first waveguide and a third waveguide, the third waveguide having a low group index.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide has a dissimilar length than the second waveguide.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide has a dissimilar width than the second waveguide.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide and the second waveguide are each positioned on a common side of the optical isolator.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide is separated from the second waveguide on opposite sides of the optical isolator.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide and the second waveguide each continuously extend to less than an entire length of the optical isolator.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein portions of the optical isolator is filled with photonic crystals.
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the photonic crystals fill less than an entirety of a space between the first waveguide and the second waveguide.
14 . A light detection and ranging system comprising an optical emitter and detector connected to a controller, an optical isolator coupled to the optical emitter and consisting of a first waveguide having a high group index and a second waveguide having a low group index, the first waveguide and second waveguide configured to collectively allowing a predetermined wavelength of light energy to be emitted from the optical emitter to a target downrange.
15 . The light detection and ranging system of claim 14 , wherein the optical emitter is a solid-state phase array.
16 . The light detection and ranging system of claim 14 , wherein the optical isolator is coupled to an external waveguide to direct light energy towards the target.
17 . A method comprising:
coupling an optical isolator to an optical source, the optical isolator consisting of a first waveguide having a high group index and a second waveguide having a low group index;
activating the optical source to generate light energy;
passing the light energy through the optical isolator; and
blocking portions of the light energy with the optical isolator, the blocked portions corresponding with predetermined wavelengths relating to a collective group index from the first waveguide and the second waveguide.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the collective group index of the first waveguide and the second waveguide allows a single wavelength to pass completely through the optical isolator.
19 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the optical isolator mitigates noise from the light energy passing through the optical isolator.
20 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the optical isolator minimizes a risk of mode alteration in the light energy passing through the optical isolator.