Abstract: A LiDAR sensor can include a laser, a directional sensor, a window, an electromagnetic pulse receiving sensor, and a processor. The laser can be configured to emit a narrow electromagnetic pulse. Further, the directional sensor can be configured to measure the direction of the narrow electromagnetic pulse emitted by the laser. The narrow emitted electromagnetic pulse can pass through the window. The pulse can then be reflected by at least the window and an object external from the LiDAR sensor, creating at least two reflected pulses. The electromagnetic pulse receiving sensor can be configured to measure the two reflected pulses resulting from the narrow pulse emitted by the laser. The processor can be configured to receive information from the sensors, indicating a position of the object relative to the LiDAR sensor. Further, the processor can be configured to measure the intensity of the pulse being reflected by the window.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an optical apparatus for a light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) sensing system is provided. The optical apparatus can comprise an optical directing device; and a multi clad optical fiber, wherein said multi clad optical fiber comprises a core, at least one inner cladding, and an outer cladding. The core is arranged to receive optical rays transmitted from a light source of said sensing system and route said transmitted optical rays on an optical path leading to optical directing device. The optical directing device is configured both to direct said routed transmitted optical rays on an optical path leading to a target to be sensed and direct optical rays reflected from said target on an optical path leading to said inner cladding of said multi clad optical fiber. The inner cladding is configured to receive said reflected optical rays and route said reflected optical rays on an optical path leading to a detector for receiving reflected optical rays of said sensing system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for light detecting and range sensing. In one approach, a light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) sensor uses an optical directing device; a multi-clad optical fiber, a light source, and a detector. The light source is optically coupled to the multi-clad optical fiber which is configured to receive optical rays transmitted from the light source and route the rays on an optical path leading to the optical directing device. The optical directing device is configured both to direct the transmitted optical rays routed through the multi-clad fiber towards a target to be sensed and direct optical rays reflected from the target on an optical path leading to the multi-clad optical fiber. The multi-clad optical fiber is configured to receive the reflected optical rays and route the reflected optical rays on an optical path leading to the detector. The detector is configured to detect the reflected optical rays.