Abstract: A solid state LIDAR transmitter includes a two dimensional array of laser devices having columns and rows and configured such that anodes of laser devices in a column are connected to a common anode connection and cathodes of laser devices in a row are connected to a common cathode connection. A capacitive discharge circuit comprises a first switch configured so the capacitive discharge circuit charges to a voltage potential when the first switch is open and discharges when the first switch is closed. A second switch is configured such that the common cathode connection is coupled to ground when the second switch is closed. A controller is configured to instruct the first switch and the second switch to close at a time t0 such that the capacitive discharge circuit charges to the voltage potential at a time, t1, thereby causing a laser device connected between the capacitive discharge circuit and the second switch to generate an optical pulse.

Abstract: A LIDAR illuminator includes a laser array comprising a plurality of laser sources configured to generate an optical beam when energized and a laser driver assembly. A controller is configured to instruct the laser driver assembly to energize the plurality of laser sources based on a firing pattern rule that ensures that optical energy in a particular aperture that is positioned at a particular distance from outputs of the plurality of sources is less than a maximum permissible exposure limit corresponding to a wavelength of emission of the optical beams generated by the plurality of laser sources.