Sparse Non-uniform Optical Phased Array Design

Abstract

This thesis addresses the design and optimization of sparse non-uniform optical phased arrays (OPAs) for advanced automotive LiDAR systems. As autonomous driving technologies advance, the demand for high-resolution, reliable, and compact LiDAR systems has become increasingly critical. Traditional uniform OPAs, while effective, face limitations regarding power consumption. This work introduces an innovative approach to designing sparse non-uniform OPAs that achieve desired performance metrics essential for automotive applications, including beamwidth, field of view, and sidelobe levels, while minimizing element count and, consequently, energy consumption.

Through mathematical modelling and simulation, we formulate the problem of sparse OPA design as an optimization problem, leveraging techniques from compressive sensing to identify the most efficient element arrangements. We propose using the sparse array synthesis method to formulate the sparse OPA design problem, utilizing algorithms such as LASSO, thresholding, and iterative reweighted l1-norm minimization to achieve optimal sparse configurations. Our results demonstrate substantial improvements in effectiveness, offering a practical solution to the constraints posed by current LiDAR systems. This thesis contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive framework for the design of sparse non-uniform OPAs, highlighting the trade-offs and benefits of various design strategies. The findings advance our understanding of OPA design principles.