Abstract: A LIDAR sensor includes a fiber laser configured to emit an electromagnetic pulse through a fiber cable, and a fiber cable splitter to split the fiber cable into a first fiber cable and a second fiber cable. The electromagnetic pulse is split into an output pulse that propagates through the first fiber cable and a calibration pulse that propagates through the second fiber cable. The LIDAR sensor includes a pulse receiving sensor configured to detect the calibration pulse and a second pulse corresponding to the output pulse being reflected by a surface external from the LiDAR sensor. A processor is included to receive information from the pulse receiving sensor indicating a position of the surface relative to the LiDAR sensor. The processor further measures an intensity of the calibration pulse and determines a reflectance of the surface based at least in part on the intensity of the calibration pulse.

Abstract: A LIDAR sensor includes a fiber laser configured to emit an electromagnetic pulse through a fiber cable, and a fiber cable splitter to split the fiber cable into a first fiber cable and a second fiber cable. The electromagnetic pulse is split into an output pulse that propagates through the first fiber cable and a calibration pulse that propagates through the second fiber cable. The LIDAR sensor includes a pulse receiving sensor configured to detect the calibration pulse and a second pulse corresponding to the output pulse being reflected by a surface external from the LiDAR sensor. A processor is included to receive information from the pulse receiving sensor indicating a position of the surface relative to the LiDAR sensor. The processor further measures an intensity of the calibration pulse and determines a reflectance of the surface based at least in part on the intensity of the calibration pulse.

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: 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.