LiDAR APPARATUS HAVING WIDE SCANNING ANGLE RANGE

A LIDAR apparatus includes a light source module configured to generate light, an optical transmitter configured to transmit the light generated by the light source module to outside, an optical receiver configured to receive light coming from the outside, an optical detector configured to detect the light received by the optical receiver, and a processor configured to control the operation of each of the light source module and the optical transmitter, wherein the light source module includes a first tunable laser light source configured to emit light in a first wavelength band, a second tunable laser light source configured to emit light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and a light selection element configured to select and output one of the lights emitted by the first tunable laser light source and the second tunable laser light source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0174185, filed on Dec. 13, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a LIDAR apparatus having a wide scanning angle range.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) having various functions have been commercialized. For example, there has been an increased number of vehicles equipped with functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEB). For example, an ACC system in a vehicle recognizes a location and speed of another vehicle and reduces the speed of a vehicle if there is a risk of collision and drives the vehicle within a set speed range if there is no risk of collision. Moreover, an AEB system in a vehicle automatically applies braking to prevent collisions when there is a risk of collision by recognizing that another vehicle is in front of the vehicle, and the driver has not respond to the risk or the response method is inappropriate. In addition, it is expected that vehicles capable of autonomous driving will be commercialized in the near future.

Accordingly, the importance of a vehicle radar that provides information about surroundings of a vehicle is gradually increasing. For example, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) apparatuses that measure a distance, speed, azimuth, and position of an object from the time when a laser scattered or reflected returns, changes in the intensity of the laser, changes in the frequency of the laser, and changes in the polarization state of the laser are widely used as vehicle radars.

SUMMARY

Provided is a LIDAR apparatus having a wide scanning angle range.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provide a LIDAR apparatus including: a light source module configured to generate light; an optical transmitter configured to emit the light generated by the light source module to outside the LiDAR apparatus; an optical receiver configured to receive light from outside the LiDAR apparatus; an optical detector configured to detect the light received by the optical receiver; and a processor configured to control an operation of each of the light source module and the optical transmitter, wherein the light source module includes: a first tunable laser light source configured to emit first light in a first wavelength band; a second tunable laser light source configured to emit second light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; and a light selection element configured to select and output one of the first light and the second light.

The light selection element includes one of a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, and Liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) for optically connecting one input terminal selected from a plurality of input terminals to one output terminal under control of the processor.

The light selection element includes: an optical combiner configured to couple light from a plurality of optical paths into one optical path, or a wavelength selective switch configured to diffract incident light of a plurality of different wavelengths at different angles.

Each of the first tunable laser light source and the second tunable laser light source include: a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide that are arranged parallel to each other in a first direction, the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first optical amplifier provided on the first optical waveguide; a second optical amplifier provided on the second optical waveguide and facing the first optical amplifier at a distance in the first direction; a first ring resonator provided between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide, the first ring resonator facing a first end of the first optical amplifier and a first end of the second optical amplifier; and a second ring resonator provided between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide, the second ring resonator facing a second end of the first optical amplifier and a second end of the second optical amplifier.

A first diameter of the first ring resonator of the first tunable laser light source is different from a second diameter of the first ring resonator of the second tunable laser light source, and a third diameter of the second ring resonator of the first tunable laser light source is different from a fourth diameter of the second ring resonator of the second tunable laser light source.

Each of the first optical amplifier and the second optical amplifier include: a lower contact layer, a gain material layer provided on the lower contact layer, and an upper contact layer provided on the gain material layer.

The gain material layer of the first tunable laser light source includes a first semiconductor material having a first composition and a first band gap, wherein the gain material layer of the second wavelength optical amplifier includes a second semiconductor material having a second composition and a second band gap, and wherein the second composition is different from the first composition and the second band gap is different from the first band gap.

Each of the first tunable laser light source and the second tunable laser light source further include: a first resonant wavelength control element configured to adjust a resonant wavelength of the first ring resonator, and a second resonant wavelength control element configured to adjust a resonant wavelength of the second ring resonator.

The first wavelength band and the second wavelength band partially overlap each other.

An interval between a central wavelength of the first tunable laser light source and a central wavelength of the second tunable laser light source is in a range from about 10 nm to about 60 nm, and a full width at half maximum of the central wavelength of each of the first tunable laser light source and emission wavelength bands of the second tunable laser light source is in a range from about 40 nm to about 60 nm.

The processor is further configured to: turn on the first tunable laser light source and turn off the second tunable laser light source, or turn off the first tunable laser light source and turn on the second tunable laser light source.

The processor is further configured to: turn on one of the first tunable laser light source and the second tunable laser light source, and control an emission wavelength of the turned-on tunable laser light source according to an elevation angle of a scanning light.

The light source module further includes: a first wavelength optical amplifier provided on an optical path between the first tunable laser light source and the light selection element to amplify light of a first wavelength band emitted from the first tunable laser light source; and a second wavelength optical amplifier provided on an optical path between the second tunable laser light source and the light selection element to amplify light of a second wavelength band emitted from the second tunable laser light source.

Each of the first wavelength optical amplifier and the second wavelength optical amplifier include: a lower contact layer, a gain material layer provided on the lower contact layer, and an upper contact layer provided on the gain material layer,wherein the gain material layer of the first wavelength optical amplifier includes a first semiconductor material having a first composition and a first band gap, wherein the gain material layer of the second wavelength optical amplifier includes a second semiconductor material having a second composition and a second band gap, and wherein the second composition is different from the first composition and the second band gap is different from the first band gap.

The optical transmitter includes: a plurality of optical modulators arranged in the first direction; and a plurality of grating antennas provided adjacent to a corresponding optical modulator among the plurality of optical modulators in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and arranged in the first direction.

The optical transmitter further includes: a first wavelength optical amplifier provided for each of the plurality of optical modulators or each of the plurality of grating antennas to amplify light of the first wavelength band; and a second wavelength optical amplifier provided for each of the plurality of optical modulators or each of the plurality of grating antennas to amplify light of the second wavelength band.

The optical transmitter further includes a wavelength selective switch configured to: transmit light of a first wavelength band among incident light to the first wavelength optical amplifier, and transmit light of the second wavelength band to the second wavelength optical amplifier.

The wavelength selective switch is one of a demultiplexer, a directional coupler, an echelle grating, and an arrayed waveguide grating.

The optical transmitter further includes: an optical switch provided on an optical path between a grating antenna, among the plurality of grating antennas and an optical modulator, among the plurality of optical modulators; a first optical attenuator provided on an optical path between a first output end of the optical switch and a first end of the grating antenna; and a second optical attenuator provided on an optical path between a second output end of the optical switch and a second end of the grating antenna.

The processor is further configured to: set an attenuation rate of the first optical attenuator to minimum and set an attenuation rate of the second optical attenuator to maximum when controlling the optical switch to output light to a first output terminal, and set the attenuation rate of the first optical attenuator to maximum and set the attenuation rate of the second optical attenuator to minimum when controlling the optical switch output light to a second output terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) apparatus having a wide scanning angle range will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elements and sizes of constituent elements may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation and clarity. The embodiments of the disclosure are capable of various modifications and may be embodied in many different forms.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” or “above” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. Singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that, when a part “comprises” or “includes” an element in the specification, unless otherwise defined, it is not excluding other elements but may further include other elements.

In the specification, the term “above” and similar directional terms may be applied to both singular and plural. With respect to operations that constitute a method, the operations may be performed in any appropriate sequence unless the sequence of operations is clearly described or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The operations may not necessarily be performed in the order of sequence.

Also, in the specification, the term “units” or “ . . . modules” denote units or modules that process at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Connections or connection members of lines between components shown in the drawings illustrate functional connections and/or physical or circuit connections, and the connections or connection members can be represented by replaceable or additional various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in an actual apparatus.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed.

FIG.1is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a LIDAR apparatus100according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIG.1, the LiDAR apparatus100according to an example embodiment includes a light source module110configured to generate light, an optical transmitter120configured to emit light generated in the light source module110outside of the LiDAR apparatus100, an optical receiver130configured to receive light coming from outside of the LiDAR apparatus100, an optical detector140configured to detect light received by the optical receiver130, and a processor150configured to control an operation of the LiDAR apparatus100.

The light source module110may include a plurality of tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111eemitting light of different wavelength bands. According to an example embodiment, each of the plurality of tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111eis configured to emit light in a wavelength band different from each other. For example, the light source module110may include a first tunable laser light source111aconfigured to emit light of a first wavelength band λ1, a second tunable laser light source111bconfigured to emit a second wavelength band λ2different from the first wavelength band λ1, a third tunable laser light source111cconfigured to emit light of a third wavelength band λ3different from the first and second wavelength bands λ1and λ2, a fourth tunable laser light source111dconfigured to emit light of a fourth wavelength band λ4different from the first to third wavelength bands λ1, λ2, and λ3, and a fifth tunable laser light source111econfigured to emit light of a fifth wavelength band λ5different from the first to fourth wavelength bands λ1, λ2, λ3, and λ4.

The first tunable laser light source111amay be configured to emit light of a first wavelength within the first wavelength band λ1according to electrical control. The second tunable laser light source111bmay be configured to emit light of a second wavelength within the second wavelength band λ2according to electrical control. The third tunable laser light source111cmay be configured to emit light of a third wavelength within the third wavelength band λ3according to electrical control. The fourth tunable laser light source111dmay be configured to emit light of a fourth wavelength within the fourth wavelength band λ4according to electrical control. The fifth tunable laser light source111emay be configured to emit light of a fifth wavelength within the fifth wavelength band λ5according to electrical control. For example, each of the first wavelength, the second wavelength, the third wavelength, the fourth wavelength and the fifth wavelength may be one of a plurality of wavelengths in the respect wavelength bands, among the first wavelength band λ1, the second wavelength band λ2, the third wavelength band λ3, the fourth wavelength band λ4, and the fifth wavelength band λ5. In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, the light source module110includes five tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111e, however, the disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and as such, according to another example embodiment, the number of tunable laser light sources may be appropriately selected in consideration of a bandwidth of the tunable laser light source, the scanning range of the LiDAR apparatus100, and the like.

The light source module110may further include a light selection element112for selecting and outputting one of light from the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111e. The light selection element112may be an active element or a passive element. In the case when the light selection element112is an active element, the light selection element112may select one of light incident on a plurality of input terminals according to electrical control by the processor150and output the selected light to one output terminal. In other words, the light selection element112may select one of light incident on a plurality of input terminals and optically connect the light to one output terminal under the control of the processor150. For example, the light selection element112may be implemented with at least one of a micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) device, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, and a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS). In the case when the light selection element112is a passive element, the light selection element112may include an optical combiner that couples light coming from a plurality of optical paths into one optical path or a wavelength selective switch (WSS) that diffracts at different angles light of a plurality of different wavelengths incident at different angles. For example, the WSS may be implemented with at least one of a directional coupler, an echelle grating, or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG).

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of one of the tunable laser light sources111ato111eillustrated inFIG.1according to an example embodiment. For convenience of explanation,FIG.2shows a tunable laser light source111, which may correspond to any one of the tunable laser light sources111ato111e. According to an example embodiment, each of the tunable laser light sources111ato111emay have a same configuration as illustrated inFIG.2. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and as such, one or more of the tunable laser light sources111ato111emay not be limited to the configuration illustrated inFIG.2, and thus may have a different configuration. Referring toFIG.2, the tunable laser light source111may include a first optical waveguide30, a second optical waveguide40, a first optical amplifier10, a second optical amplifier20, a first ring resonator50, a second ring resonator60, a first resonant wavelength control element51, and a second resonant wavelength control element61. According to an example embodiment, the first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40may be arranged parallel to each other. The first optical amplifier10may be provided on the first optical waveguide30, and the second optical amplifier20may be provided on the second optical waveguide40. The first ring resonator50and the second ring resonator60may be provided between the first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40. The first resonant wavelength control element51may be configured to adjust a resonant wavelength of the first ring resonator50, and the second resonant wavelength control element61may be configured to adjust a resonant wavelength of the second ring resonator60. According to an example embodiment, the tunable laser light source111may be an on-chip type wavelength tunable laser in which components are integrated on a substrate. For example, all components of the tunable laser light source111may be integrated on a single substrate.

The first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40may be provided on the substrate, and arranged to face each other with a distance from each other in a first direction (i.e., an X direction). In addition, each of the first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40may extend in a second direction (i.e., a Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

The first optical amplifier10and the second optical amplifier20may be semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA) integrated on a substrate using a semiconductor process. The first optical amplifier10and the second optical amplifier20may serve to amplify light and simultaneously generate light. For example, the first optical amplifier10may be configured to generate light and provide the light to the first optical waveguide30and, at the same time, to amplify light traveling along the first optical waveguide30. Also, the second optical amplifier20may be configured to generate light and provide the light to the second optical waveguide40while amplifying light traveling along the second optical waveguide40. The first optical amplifier10on the first optical waveguide30and the second optical amplifier20on the second optical waveguide40may be spaced apart from each other with a gap in the first direction and may extend in the second direction.

The first ring resonator50and the second ring resonator60may be provided between the first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40in a first direction, and may be provided so that the first optical amplifier10and the second optical amplifier20are interposed therebetween in the second direction. For example, the first ring resonator50may be provided between the first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40in the first direction near a first end of the first optical amplifier10and a first end of the second optical amplifier20in the second direction. In addition, the second ring resonator60may be provided between the first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40in the first direction near a second end of the first optical amplifier10and a second end of the second optical amplifier20opposite the first end in the second direction. For example, the first ring resonator50may be provided at a first position at a first side of the first optical amplifier10and a first side of the second optical amplifier20, and the second ring resonator60may be provided at a second position at a second side of the first optical amplifier10and a second side of the second optical amplifier20. AlthoughFIG.2illustrates a tunable laser light source111that includes two ring resonators, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and as such, according to another example embodiment, a tunable laser light source may include three or more ring resonators as needed. In this case, the three or more ring resonators may be provided between the first optical amplifier10and the second optical amplifier20at various locations. Hereinafter, for convenience, a case in which the tunable laser light source111has two ring resonators as an example will be described.

According to an example embodiment, the first ring resonator50and the second ring resonator60do not physically contact the first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40. However, the first ring resonator50and the second ring resonator60but may be provided to be optically coupled to the first optical waveguide30and the second optical waveguide40. The shortest distance between the first optical waveguide30and the first ring resonator50, the shortest distance between the first optical waveguide30and the second ring resonator60, the shortest distance between the second optical waveguide40and the first ring resonator50, and the shortest distance between the second optical waveguide40and the second ring resonator60may be less than or equal to about twice a width of the first and second optical waveguides30and40, for example, in a range from about 0.5 times to about 1 time the width of the first and second optical waveguides30and40. For example, the shortest distance between the first optical waveguide30and the first ring resonator50, the shortest distance between the first optical waveguide30and the second ring resonator60, the shortest distance between the second optical waveguide40and the first ring resonator50, and the shortest distance between the second optical waveguide40and the second ring resonator60may be in a range from about 0.1 μm or to about 1 μm, but are not limited thereto. Accordingly, light traveling along the first optical waveguide30or the second optical waveguide40may be transmitted to the first ring resonator50or the second ring resonator60, and a part of light resonating in the first ring resonator50or the second ring resonator60may be transmitted to the first optical waveguide30or the second optical waveguide40.

The first ring resonator50and the second ring resonator60are closed-loop resonators having ring-shaped waveguides. Wavelengths of light resonating in closed-loop resonators having ring-shaped waveguides may vary depending on diameters or circumferential lengths of the ring-shaped waveguide. In other words, the resonance wavelengths of the first ring resonator50and the second ring resonator60may vary depending on the diameters or the circumferential lengths of the first ring resonator50and the second ring resonator60. A diameter R1of the first ring resonator50and a diameter R2of the second ring resonator60may be the same or different. In other words, the resonant wavelength of the first ring resonator50and the resonant wavelength of the second ring resonator60may be the same or different.

In addition, the first and second ring resonators50and60of the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111eshown inFIG.1may have different resonance wavelengths. For example, the first ring resonators50of the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111emay have different diameters or resonance wavelengths, and the second ring resonators60of the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111emay have different diameters or resonant wavelengths.

The resonant wavelength of the first ring resonator50may be finely adjusted by the first resonant wavelength control element51, and the resonant wavelength of the second ring resonator60may be finely adjusted by the second resonant wavelength control element61. For example, the first and second resonant wavelength control elements51and61may change a phase of light traveling along the first and second ring resonators50and60, respectively. That is, the first resonant wavelength control element51may change a phase of light traveling along the first ring resonator50and the second resonant wavelength control element61may change a phase of light traveling along the second ring resonators60. When a phase of light changes, an effect of changing an optical length of a closed-curve waveguide occurs, and thus, the resonant wavelengths of the first and second ring resonators50and60change. For example, when a phase delay of light increases, the optical length of the closed-curve waveguide increases, and thus, the resonant wavelengths of the first and second ring resonators50and60may be increased. Conversely, when a phase delay of light decreases, the optical length of the closed-curve waveguide shortens, and thus, the resonant wavelengths of the first and second ring resonators50and60may be reduced.

The first and second resonant wavelength control elements51and61may be implemented in a method of changing a temperature or concentration of carriers (e.g., electrons or holes) of the first and second ring resonators50and60. For example, the temperature change method is a method of changing a refractive index of the first and second ring resonators50and60by changing a temperature around the first and second ring resonators50and60, and thus, the resonance wavelengths of the first and second ring resonators50and60may be adjusted. In addition, the carrier concentration change method is a method of changing a refractive index of the first and second ring resonators50and60through a carrier concentration change by placing a diode junction around the center of the first and second ring resonators50and60, and thus, the resonance wavelengths of the first and second ring resonators50and60may be adjusted.

InFIG.2, as an example, it is depicted that one first and second resonant wavelength control element51and61is provided for each of the first and second ring resonators50and60, but the number of resonance wavelength control elements51and61is not limited thereto. For example, although one of the first and second resonant wavelength control elements51and61may be provided for each of the first and second ring resonators50and60, a plurality of first and second resonant wavelength control elements51and61may be provided. For example, the first ring resonator50may include a plurality of first resonant wavelength control elements51and the second ring resonator60may include a plurality of second resonant wavelength control elements61.

The first and second resonant wavelength control elements51and61may be electrically controlled by the processor150. The processor150may control the resonance wavelengths of the first and second ring resonators50and60by controlling the first and second resonance wavelength control elements51and61. Light output from the tunable laser light source111may have a wavelength that satisfies both the resonance condition of the first ring resonator50and the resonance condition of the second ring resonator60. Accordingly, a wavelength of light output from the tunable laser light source111may be adjusted by controlling the first and second resonant wavelength control elements51and61.

FIG.3is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the first optical waveguide30and the first optical amplifier10of the tunable laser light source111shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.3, the tunable laser light source111may include a substrate11, a waveguide layer12on the substrate11, and the first optical amplifier10on the waveguide layer12. According to an example embodiment, the tunable laser light source111may further include a cladding layer covering the first optical amplifier10.

The substrate11may include a semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer provided above the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer may include, for example, a semiconductor material, such as silicon (Si), a Group III-V compound semiconductor, a Group II-VI compound semiconductor, or germanium (Ge), but is not necessarily limited thereto. Also, the dielectric layer may include a dielectric material, for example, silicon oxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (SiN), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3), but is not necessarily limited thereto. The dielectric layer may be provided over an entire area of an upper surface of the semiconductor layer. For example, the substrate11may include a single silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate.

The waveguide layer12may be provided on an upper surface of the substrate11. The first optical waveguide30may be is provided in the waveguide layer12. According to an example embodiment, the first optical waveguide30may be formed by patterning a portion of the upper surface of the waveguide layer12. The first optical waveguide30may extend in a second direction within the waveguide layer12. The waveguide layer12or the first optical waveguide30may include a semiconductor material, such as silicon (Si), a Group III-V compound semiconductor, a Group II-VI compound semiconductor, or germanium (Ge), but is not necessarily limited thereto. InFIG.3, as an example, it is depicted that the first optical waveguide30is a rib waveguide having one vertical protrusion, but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the first optical waveguide30may be a rib waveguide having a plurality of vertical protrusions (P) or a channel (C) waveguide without protrusions. According to an example embodiment, the second optical waveguide40may also be provided in the waveguide layer12at a distance from the first optical waveguide30in the first direction.

The first optical amplifier10may be provided on the first optical waveguide30. The first optical amplifier10may include, for example, a lower contact layer10aprovided on the first optical waveguide30, a gain material layer10bprovided on the lower contact layer10a, and an upper contact layer10cprovided on the gain material layer10b. According to an example embodiment, a second optical amplifier20having the same structure as the first optical amplifier10may be provided on the second optical waveguide40.

The lower contact layer10a, the gain material layer10b, and the upper contact layer10cmay include a semiconductor material having a direct bandgap. For example, the lower contact layer10a, the gain material layer10b, and the upper contact layer10cmay include a semiconductor material, such as a Group III-V compound semiconductor or a Group II-VI compound semiconductor.

The lower contact layer10aand the upper contact layer10cform an ohmic contact for applying a current to the gain material layer10b. Accordingly, the lower contact layer10aand the upper contact layer10cmay be highly doped with electrically opposite conductivity types. For example, the lower contact layer10amay be doped with an n-type and the upper contact layer10cmay be doped with a p-type, or the lower contact layer10amay be doped with a p-type and the upper contact layer10cmay be doped with an n-type.

The gain material layer10bmay generate light according to an applied current and amplify the light. For example, the gain material layer10bmay include a multiple quantum well (MQW) structure having a plurality of barriers and a plurality of quantum wells alternately stacked in a vertical direction. A wavelength band and bandwidth of light generated from the gain material layer10bmay vary according to a band gap of a semiconductor material forming the gain material layer10band a thickness of the quantum wells. For example, in the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111eshown inFIG.1, the composition and the band gap of the semiconductor material of gain material layers10bmay be different from each other. Accordingly, the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111emay emit light in different wavelength bands.

FIG.4is a graph showing a spectrum of light emitted from a plurality of tunable laser light sources. Referring toFIG.4, the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111emay have center wavelengths different from each other, and a wavelength interval between the center wavelengths may be substantially constant. For example, the center wavelength of the first tunable laser light source111amay be about 1270 nm, the center wavelength of the second tunable laser light source111bmay be about 1290 nm, the center wavelength of the third tunable laser light source111cmay be about 1310 nm, the center wavelength of the fourth tunable laser light source111dmay be about 1330 nm, and the center wavelength of the fifth tunable laser light source111emay be about 1350 nm. In this case, a wavelength interval between the central wavelengths may be about 20 nm.

Also, the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111emay have wavelength bands that partially overlap each other. For example, the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111emay each have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of emission wavelength bands in a range from about 40 nm to about 60 nm. In this case, the processor150may control to output light by selecting a tunable laser light source that emits light with the greatest intensity within the overlapping wavelength band. For example, when emitting light within the first wavelength band λ1of about 1280 nm or less, the processor150may turn on only the first tunable laser light source111aand turn off the remaining tunable laser light sources. In addition, when emitting light within the second wavelength band λ2in a range of about 1280 nm to about 1300 nm, the processor150may turn on only the second tunable laser light source111band turn off the remaining tunable laser light sources. When emitting light within the third wavelength band λ3in a range of about 1300 nm to about 1320 nm, the processor150may turn on only the third tunable laser light source111cand turn off the remaining tunable laser light sources. When emitting light within the fourth wavelength band λ4in a range of about 1320 nm to about 1340 nm, the processor150may turn on only the fourth tunable laser light source111dand turn off the remaining tunable laser light sources. When emitting light within the fifth wavelength band λ5in a range of about 1340 nm or more, the processor150may turn on only the fifth tunable laser light source111eand turn off the remaining tunable laser light sources.

According to an example embodiment, the light selection element112is an active element. In this case, the processor150may control the operation of the light selection element112. For example, when turning on the first tunable laser light source111a, the processor150may control the light selection element112so that an input terminal of the light selection element112connected to the first tunable laser light source111ais optically connect to an output terminal of the light selection element112. In other words, the processor150may control the light selection element112so that an input terminal of the light selection element112connected to a turned on tunable laser light source among the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111eis optically connect to an output terminal of the light selection element112.

Meanwhile, the values of the wavelength bands described with reference toFIG.4are merely examples for convenience of explanation, and are not limited to the values illustrated inFIG.4. The wavelength range of light emitted from each tunable laser light source may be variously selected depending on a wavelength range and the number of tunable laser light sources actually used in the LiDAR apparatus100. For example, an interval between the central wavelengths of the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111emay be in a range from about 10 nm to about 60 nm.

Referring back toFIG.1, the optical transmitter120may be implemented in an optical phased array (OPA) method. For example, the optical transmitter120may include a plurality of optical modulators121and a plurality of grating antennas122. According to an example embodiment, the optical transmitter120may further include a plurality of light splitters and a plurality of optical waveguides. Light emitted from the light source module110may travel in the second direction (i.e., the Y direction) through the plurality of optical waveguides. The plurality of light splitters may be arranged so that light is split in the first direction (i.e., an X direction) while propagating in the second direction. The plurality of optical modulators121may be arranged in the first direction. In addition, the plurality of grating antennas122may be provided adjacent to corresponding optical modulators among the plurality of optical modulators121in the second direction and may be arranged in the first direction.

Light divided by a plurality of light splitters may be phase modulated by the plurality of optical modulators121while propagating along a plurality of optical waveguides. The plurality of optical modulators121may independently modulate the phase of light under the control of the processor150. Then, the light may be emitted to the outside of the LiDAR apparatus100through the plurality of grating antennas122. Each of the plurality of grating antennas122may include a plurality of grating patterns for emitting light to the outside. A direction in which light is emitted may be determined according to phases and wavelengths of light provided to the plurality of grating antennas122. For example, the emission direction of light may be controlled in a first direction or an azimuth direction according to phases of light provided to the plurality of grating antennas122. In addition, the emission direction of light may be controlled in a third direction (i.e., a Z direction) or in an elevation angle direction according to a wavelength of light provided to the optical transmitter120or the plurality of grating antennas122.

The processor150may control wavelengths of light provided to the optical transmitter120or the plurality of grating antennas122by controlling the light source module110. In particular, the processor150may turn on one of the first to fifth tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111eaccording to an elevation angle of scanning light, and may control an emission wavelength of the turned-on tunable laser light source. Also, the processor150may control the operation of the optical transmitter120. For example, the processor150may control a phase of the light provided to the plurality of grating antennas122by controlling the plurality of optical modulators121according to an azimuth angle of scanning light. By control a wavelength and phase of light provided to the plurality of grating antennas122in this manner, the LiDAR apparatus100may perform two-dimensional beam scanning for an object OBJ in front of the LiDAR apparatus100.

The optical receiver130receives light reflected from an object OBJ in front. The optical receiver130may receive all light coming from the outside toward the LIDAR apparatus100, but may be configured to receive light coming from a direction in which the optical transmitter120transmits light. For example, the optical receiver130may be implemented in an OPA method. The optical detector140may generate an electrical signal based on the intensity of light provided from the optical receiver130.

The processor150may control the operations of the light source module110, the optical transmitter120, and the optical receiver130, and based on a signal received from the optical detector140, may extract distance information or speed information about an external object OBJ. For example, the processor150may extract distance information or speed information about the external object OBJ using a time of flight (TOF) method or a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) method. The processor150may be implemented as, for example, a dedicated semiconductor chip, or as software that may be executed in a computer and stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. In another example embodiment, the processor150may be implemented as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In addition, the processor150may be mounted on one substrate together with the light source module110, the optical transmitter120, the optical receiver130, and the optical detector140, or may be mounted on a separate substrates.

According to an example embodiment, the optical phased array of the optical transmitter120described above may be implemented as one photonic integrated circuit (PIC) on one substrate.FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating the optical transmitter120configured in the form of an optical integrated circuit on a substrate. Referring toFIG.5, the optical transmitter120may include a substrate120S, an input coupler123provided on the substrate120S, a branch region120A, a phase control region120B, an amplifying region120C, and an emission region120D. The input coupler123, the branch region120A, the phase control region120B, the amplifying region120C, and the emission region120D may be arranged in the second direction.

The input coupler123may serve to couple light coming from the light source module110to an optical path within the optical transmitter120. In another example embodiment, the light source module110may be integrally provided on the substrate120S of the optical transmitter120. In this case, the light source module110may be provided at the position of the input coupler123, and the input coupler123may be omitted.

The optical transmitter120may include a plurality of optical waveguides124that transmit light generated from the light source module110to the branch region120A, the phase control region120B, the amplifying region120C, and the emission region120D. According to an example the plurality of optical waveguides124may sequentially transmit light generated from the light source module110to the branch region120A, the phase control region120B, the amplifying region120C, and the emission region120D. Light generated by the light source module110may travel in the second direction through the optical waveguides124.

The branch region120A may include a plurality of light splitters125. The plurality of light splitters125may split one light traveling along the optical waveguides124into several pieces of light. For example, one optical waveguide124may be connected to an input terminal of each light splitter125and a plurality of optical waveguides124may be connected to an output terminal of each light splitter125. As an example, a plurality of light splitters125that each distributes one light beam into two light beams are shown inFIG.5. Light may be divided into a plurality of pieces of light within the branching region120A. The plurality of divided pieces of light respectively travel along the plurality of optical waveguides124. Although it is shown inFIG.5that the light is divided into 8 pieces of light in the branch region120A, this is simply an example and is not necessarily limited thereto.

The phase control region120B may include a plurality of optical modulators121respectively provided in the plurality of optical waveguides124. For example, the plurality of optical modulators121may be arranged in a first direction perpendicular to a second direction. A plurality of pieces of light divided in the branch region120A may be respectively provided to the plurality of optical modulators121. The optical modulator121may have a variable refractive index that is electrically controlled. Phases of light passing through the optical modulator121may be determined according to the refractive index of the optical modulator121. The optical modulator121may independently control the phases of the divided pieces of light.

The amplifying region120C may include a plurality of optical amplifiers126respectively provided in the plurality of optical waveguides124. The plurality of optical amplifiers126may be arranged in the first direction perpendicular to the second direction. The optical amplifier126may increase the magnitude of an optical signal. For example, each optical amplifier126may include a semiconductor optical amplifier or an ion-doped amplifier.

The emission region120D may include a plurality of grating antennas122. The plurality of grating antennas122may be arranged in the first direction. The plurality of grating antennas122may be respectively connected to the plurality of optical amplifiers126. Each of the plurality of grating antennas122may respectively emit light amplified in the amplifying region120C. Accordingly, each of the plurality of grating antennas122may include a plurality of grating patterns122athat are periodically arranged. The plurality of grating patterns122amay be arranged in the second direction. The traveling direction of output light OL emitted by the emission region120D may be determined by a phase difference between a plurality of divided pieces of light determined in the phase control region120B and a wavelength of the light provided from the light source module110. In particular, a first direction component of the output light OL (i.e., an azimuthal angle component) may be determined by a phase difference between a plurality of pieces of light, and a third direction component (i.e., an elevation angle component) of the output light OL may be determined by a wavelength of light.

FIG.5shows an example in which only the optical transmitter120is implemented with one optical integrated circuit according to an example embodiment. However, according to another example embodiment, components of the LIDAR apparatus100including the light source module110, the optical transmitter120, the optical receiver130, the optical detector140, and the processor150may all be implemented as one optical integrated circuit.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating a scanning angle range of the LiDAR apparatus100according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIG.6, the LiDAR apparatus100may perform two-dimensional scanning in an azimuth angle (α) direction and an elevation angle (θ) direction. According to an example embodiment, the LiDAR apparatus100may scan using light of a first wavelength band λ1for a first elevation angle range θ1, may scan using light of a second wavelength band λ2for a second elevation angle range θ2, scans using light of a third wavelength band λ3for a third elevation angle range θ3, may scan using light of a fourth wavelength band λ4for a fourth elevation angle range θ4, and may scan using light of a fifth wavelength band λ5for a fifth elevation angle range θ5.

In general, because the effective wavelength tunable range of one tunable laser light source is small, the elevation angle range that may be scanned with one tunable laser light source is less than 10°. According to an example embodiment, the LiDAR apparatus100may greatly increase the elevation angle range capable of scanning by using a plurality of tunable laser light sources. In other words, by using a plurality of tunable laser light sources, a wavelength range of light provided to the optical transmitter120of the LiDAR apparatus100may be widened. Accordingly, the elevation angle direction scanning angle range of the LiDAR apparatus100may be widened.

FIG.7is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a light source module110aof the LiDAR apparatus100according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIG.7, the light source module110amay include a plurality of tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111e, a plurality of optical amplifiers113a,113b,113c,113d, and113e, and a light selection element112that selects one light among pieces of light emitted from the plurality of optical amplifiers113a,113b,113c,113d, and113e. Compared to the light source module110shown inFIG.1, the light source module110ashown inFIG.7may further include the plurality of optical amplifiers113a,113b,113c,113d, and113erespectively provided between the plurality of tunable laser light sources111a,111b,111c,111d, and111eand the light selection element112.

For example, the light source module110amay include the first wavelength optical amplifier113aprovided on an optical path between the first tunable laser light source111aand the light selection element112to amplify light of the first wavelength band λ1emitted from the first tunable laser light source111a, the second wavelength optical amplifier113bprovided on an optical path between the second tunable laser light source111band the light selection element112to amplify light of the second wavelength band λ2emitted from the second tunable laser light source111b, the third wavelength optical amplifier113cprovided on an optical path between the third tunable laser light source111cand the light selection element112to amplify light of the third wavelength band λ3emitted from the third tunable laser light source111c, the fourth wavelength optical amplifier113dprovided on an optical path between the fourth tunable laser light source111dand the light selection element112to amplify light of the fourth wavelength band λ4emitted from the fourth tunable laser light source111d, and a fifth wavelength optical amplifier113eprovided on an optical path between the fifth tunable laser light source111eand the light selection element112to amplify light of the fifth wavelength band λ5emitted from the fifth tunable laser light source111e.

Each of the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers113a,113b,113c,113d, and113emay have the same configuration as the first optical amplifier10shown inFIG.3. For example, each of the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers113a,113b,113c,113d, and113emay include a lower contact layer, a gain material layer, and an upper contact layer. Gain material layers of the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers113a,113b,113c,113d, and113emay have optimized structures and semiconductor compositions for the first to fifth wavelength bands λ1, λ2, λ3, λ4, and λ5to be amplified. In other words, the composition and the band gap of semiconductor materials of the gain material layers of the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers113a,113b,113c,113d, and113emay be different from each other. By using the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers113a,113b,113c,113d, and113e, the intensity of light output from the light source module110amay be optimally increased according to a wavelength.

FIG.8is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an optical transmitter120aof a LIDAR apparatus according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIG.8, the optical transmitter120amay further include a first wavelength optical amplifier126athat amplifies light of a first wavelength band λ1, a second wavelength optical amplifier126bthat amplifies light of a second wavelength band λ2, a third wavelength optical amplifier126cthat amplifies light of a third wavelength band λ3, a fourth wavelength optical amplifier126dthat amplifies light of a fourth wavelength band4, and a fifth wavelength optical amplifier126ethat amplifies light of a fifth wavelength band λ5. In particular, the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers126a,126b,126c,126d, and126emay be provided for each of the plurality of optical modulators121or each of the plurality of grating antennas122. For example, when the light source module110aincludes five tunable laser light sources and the optical transmitter120aincludes N optical modulators121(N is a natural number greater than 1), the optical transmitter120amay include 5N optical amplifiers. By using the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers126a,126b,126c,126d, and126e, the intensity of light emitted to the outside of the LiDAR apparatus through the grating antenna122may be optimally increased according to a wavelength.

In addition, the optical transmitter120amay include a plurality of wavelength selective switches127. For example, a wavelength selective switch127. may be provided for each of the plurality of optical modulators121or each of the plurality of grating antennas122. Each of the a wavelength selective switches127transmits light of a first wavelength band λ1to the first wavelength optical amplifier126a, transmits light of a second wavelength band λ2to the second wavelength optical amplifier126b, transmits light of a third wavelength band λ3to the third wavelength optical amplifier126c, transmits light of a fourth wavelength band λ4to the fourth wavelength optical amplifier126d, and transmits light of a fifth wavelength band λ4to the fifth wavelength optical amplifier126eamong incident light. The wavelength selective switch127may be, for example, an electrically controlled demultiplexer. Alternatively, the wavelength selective switch127may be implemented as a directional coupler, an echelle grating, or an AWG that diffracts a plurality of different wavelengths of light incident on the same path at different angles.

InFIG.8, it is depicted that the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers126a,126b,126c,126d, and126eare provided in front of the optical modulator121on the optical path, and the amplified light enters the optical modulator121, but not limited thereto. For example, as shown inFIG.5, the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers126a,126b,126c,126d, and126emay be provided between the corresponding optical modulator121and the corresponding grating antenna122on an optical path. In addition, the wavelength selective switch127may be provided between the optical modulator121and the first to fifth wavelength optical amplifiers126a,126b,126c,126d, and126eon the optical path.

FIG.9is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an optical transmitter120bof a LiDAR apparatus according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIG.9, the optical transmitter120bmay further include an optical switch128provided on an optical path between a grating antenna122and an optical modulator121that correspond to each other, among the plurality of grating antennas122and the plurality of optical modulators121, a first optical attenuator129aprovided on an optical path between a first output terminal128aof the optical switch128and a first end122aof the grating antenna122, and a second optical attenuator129bprovided on an optical path between a second output terminal128bof the optical switch128and a second end122bof the grating antenna122. Accordingly, in the optical transmitter120b, the number of optical switches128, first optical attenuators129a, and second optical attenuators129bis equal to the number of grating antennas122and the number of optical modulators121.

The optical switch128may be configured to output input light to one of the first output terminal128aand the second output terminal128baccording to electrical control. For example, the optical switch128may output input light to the first output terminal128aor the second output terminal128baccording to the control of the processor150.

The first optical attenuator129aand the second optical attenuator129bmay attenuate or pass light without attenuation according to electrical control. For example, when the optical switch128controls light to be output to the first output end128a, the processor150may set the attenuation rate of the first optical attenuator129ato minimum and the attenuation rate of the second optical attenuator129bto maximum. Then, light from the first output terminal128aof the optical switch128may be incident on the first end122aof the grating antenna122via the first optical attenuator129a. In this case, the second optical attenuator129bmay block light returning through the second end122bof the grating antenna122. In addition, when the optical switch128controls light to be output to the second output terminal128b, the processor150may set the attenuation rate of the first optical attenuator129ato maximum and set the attenuation rate of the second optical attenuator129bto minimum. Then, light from the second output terminal128bof the optical switch128may be incident on the second end122bof the grating antenna122via the second optical attenuator129b. In this case, the first optical attenuator129amay block light returning through the first end122aof the grating antenna122.

FIGS.10A and10Bshow a beam scanning operation of the optical transmitter120bof the LiDAR apparatus shown inFIG.9as an example. Referring toFIG.10A, when light is incident to the first end122aof the grating antenna122, the light may be steered toward the second end122bof the grating antenna122. Referring toFIG.10B, when light is incident to the second end122bof the grating antenna122, the light may be steered toward the first end122aof the grating antenna122. Accordingly, the scanning angle range of the LiDAR apparatus may further be widened.

The LiDAR apparatus described above may be applied to various electronic apparatuses for detecting a distance to an external object or acquiring a 3D image.FIG.11is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic apparatus including a LiDAR apparatus according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIG.11, in a network environment2000, an electronic device2001may communicate with another electronic apparatus2002through a first network2098(a short-distance wireless communication network, etc.) or communicate with another electronic apparatus2004and/or server2008via a second network2099(a long-distance wireless communication network, etc.). The electronic apparatus2001may communicate with the electronic apparatus2004through the server2008. The electronic apparatus2001may include a processor2020, a memory2030, an input device2050, an audio output device2055, a display device2060, an audio module2070, a sensor module2010, an interface2077, a haptic module2079, a camera module2080, a power management module2088, a battery2089, a communication module2090, a subscriber identification module2096, and/or an antenna module2097. In the electronic apparatus2001, some of these components (such as the display device2060) may be omitted or other components may be added. Some of these components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, a fingerprint sensor2011of the sensor module2010, an iris sensor, or an illumination sensor may be implemented by being embedded in the display device2060(a display, etc.).

The processor2020may control one or a plurality of other components (hardware, software components, etc.) of the electronic apparatus2001connected to the processor2020by executing software (a program2040, etc.), and may perform various data processing or calculations. As part of data processing or calculations, the processor2020may load commands and/or data received from other components (the sensor module2010, the communication module2090, etc.) into a volatile memory2032and process the commands and/or data stored in the volatile memory2032and resulting data may be stored in a non-volatile memory2034. The processor2020may include a main processor2021(central processing unit, application processor, etc.) and an auxiliary processor2023(graphics processing unit, image signal processor, sensor hub processor, communication processor, etc.) that may be operated independently or together with the main processor2021. The auxiliary processor2023may use less power than the main processor2021and perform specialized functions.

The auxiliary processor2023may control functions and/or states related to some of the components (the display device2060, the sensor module2010, the communication module2090, etc.) of the electronic apparatus2001in place of the main processor2021while the main processor2021is in an inactive state (a sleep state) or together with the main processor2021while the main processor2021is in an active state (an application execution state). The auxiliary processor2023(an image signal processor, a communication processor, etc.) may be implemented as part of other functionally related components (the camera module2080, the communication module2090, etc.).

The memory2030may store various data required by components (the processor2020, the sensor module2010, etc.) of the electronic apparatus2001. Data may include, for example, input data and/or output data for software (the program2040, etc.) and instructions related the software. The memory2030may include a volatile memory2032and/or a non-volatile memory2034.

The program2040may be stored as software in the memory2030and may include an operating system2042, middleware2044, and/or applications2046.

The input device2050may receive commands and/or data to be used for a component (the processor2020, etc.) of the electronic apparatus2001from the outside of the electronic apparatus2001(a user, etc.). The input device2050may include a microphone, mouse, keyboard, and/or digital pen (a stylus pen, etc.).

The audio output device2055may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic apparatus2001. The audio output device2055may include a speaker and/or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. The receiver may be coupled as a part of the speaker or implemented as an independent separate device.

The display device2060may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic apparatus2001. The display device2060may include a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. The display device2060may include a touch circuitry set to sense a touch and/or a sensor circuit (such as a pressure sensor) set to measure the strength of a force generated by a touch.

The audio module2070may convert sound into an electrical signal or vice versa. The audio module2070may obtain a sound through the input device2050, or output a sound through a speaker and/or headphone of another electronic apparatus (such as the electronic apparatus2002) connected directly or wirelessly to the audio output device2055and/or the electronic apparatus2001.

The sensor module2010may detect an operation state (power, temperature, etc.) of the electronic apparatus2001or an external environmental state (user state, etc.), and generates an electrical signal and/or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor module2010may include a fingerprint sensor2011, an acceleration sensor2012, a position sensor2013, a 3D sensor2014, and the like, and besides above, may include an iris sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (Infrared) sensor, a biological sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or an illuminance sensor.

The 3D sensor2014senses a shape and movement of an object by irradiating a predetermined light onto the object and analyzing light reflected from the object, and may include the LiDAR apparatus100according to the embodiment described above.

The interface2077may support at least one designated protocol that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic apparatus2001to another electronic apparatus (e.g., the electronic apparatus2002). The interface2077may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface.

A connection terminal2078may include a connector through which the electronic apparatus2001may be physically connected to another electronic apparatus (such as the electronic apparatus2002). The connection terminal2078may include an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, and/or an audio connector (such as a headphone connector).

The haptic module2079may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimuli (vibration, movement, etc.) or electrical stimuli that a user may recognize through tactile or kinesthetic senses. The haptic module2079may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, and/or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module2080may capture still images and moving images. The camera module2080may include a lens assembly including one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, and/or flashes. The lens assembly included in the camera module2080may collect light emitted from an object that is an image capture target,

The power management module2088may manage power supplied to the electronic apparatus2001. The power management module388may be implemented as part of a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC).

The battery2089may supply power to components of the electronic apparatus2001. The battery2089may include a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, and/or a fuel cell.

The communication module2090may establish a direct (wired) communication channel and/or wireless communication channel between the electronic apparatus2001and other electronic apparatuses (electronic apparatus2002, electronic apparatus2004, server2008, etc.), may support communication through the established communication channel. The communication module2090may include one or more communication processors that are independently operated from the processor2020(application processor, etc.) and support direct communication and/or wireless communication. The communication module2090may include a wireless communication module2092(a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), etc.) communication module) and/or a wired communication module2094(a Local Area Network (LAN) communication module, a power line communication module, etc.). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with other electronic devices through the first network2098(a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or the second network2099(a telecommunication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (LAN) and WAN, etc.). The various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (a single chip, etc.) or implemented as a plurality of components (plural chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module2092may identify and authenticate the electronic apparatus2001within a communication network, such as the first network2098and/or the second network2099by using subscriber information (such as, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in a subscriber identification module2096.

The antenna module2097may transmit or receive signals and/or power to and from the outside (other electronic devices, etc.). The antenna may include a radiator having a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (PCB, etc.). The antenna module2097may include one or a plurality of antennas. When a plurality of antennas is included in the antenna module2097, an antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network2098and/or the second network2099from among the plurality of antennas may be selected by the communication module2090. Signals and/or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module2090and another electronic device through the selected antenna. In addition to the antenna, other components (an RFIC, etc.) may be included as a part of the antenna module2097.

Some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (a bus, a General Purpose Input and Output (GPIO), a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI), etc.), and may interchange signals (commands, data, etc.).

The command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic apparatus2001and the external electronic apparatus2004through the server2008connected to the second network2099. The other electronic apparatuses2002and2004may be the same or different types of electronic apparatus2001. All or some of operations performed in the electronic apparatus2001may be performed in one or more of the other electronic apparatuses2002,2004, and2008. For example, when the electronic apparatus2001needs to perform a function or service, the electronic apparatus2001may request one or more other electronic devices to perform part or all function or service instead of executing the function or service itself. One or more other electronic devices receiving the request may execute an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit a result of the execution to the electronic apparatus2001. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, and/or client-server computing technologies may be used.

FIG.12is a diagram schematically showing an example in which LiDAR apparatuses are applied to a vehicle2100. Referring toFIG.12, the vehicle2100may include a plurality of LiDAR apparatuses2110,2120,2130, and2140provided in various locations. The vehicle2100may provide various pieces of information about the surroundings of the vehicle2100to the driver using a plurality of LiDAR apparatuses2110,2120,2130, and2140, and may provide information necessary for autonomous driving by automatically recognizing objects or people around the vehicle2100. The plurality of LiDAR apparatuses2110,2120,2130, and2140may be the LiDAR apparatus100according to the embodiment shown inFIG.9.

A LIDAR apparatus having a wide scanning angle range has been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed description of the disclosure but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the disclosure.