Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a light source configured to generate light pulses, a mechanical scanner, a detector including an array of discrete detector channels configured to convert light input into electrical signals, a lens that focuses both light pulses generated at the light source onto the mechanical scanner and returning light reflected from the mechanical scanner for reception in sequence by the detector channels, a first analog to digital converter (ADC) connected to each of the detector channels in the array and configured to convert the electrical signals from the detector channels into digital data signals, and a signal processor coupled to the ADC to receive the digital data signals therefrom and configured to generate images of targets in a field of view of the LiDAR system from the digital data signals.

Abstract: A LiDAR system includes a light source to generate light pulses, a lens, a rotating scanning mirror, and a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chip mechanically registered with the lens. The PIC chip includes a transmission waveguide, a receiver waveguide, and first and second free space couplers lithographically fabricated thereon. A detector is further fabricated on the PIC chip. The transmission waveguide is optically coupled to the light source. The first free space coupler is optically coupled to the transmission waveguide. A second free space coupler is lithographically aligned with the first free space coupler and optically coupled to the receiver waveguide. The detector is optically coupled to a second end of the receiver waveguide. The lens focuses light pulses output from the first free space coupler onto the scanning mirror and returning light reflected from the scanning mirror onto the second free space coupler.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein include a device with a rotating polygon scanner configured to deflect light reflected from one or more distant objects towards a lens configured to focus the reflected light, and a detector chip including a plurality of detector channels, each detector channel including a photodiode configured to receive the focused light from the lens and a local oscillator, wherein the local oscillator on each of the plurality of detector channel has a power level that is different than power level of the local oscillator of the other of the plurality of detector channels.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein include a LiDAR system with a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) configured to receive a light signal from a master-oscillator laser source, the semiconductor optical source including an optical splitter configured to split the light signal into two or more split light signals and two or more respective semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), each SOA configured to receive one of the split light signals and amplify the split light signal.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein provides a method of operating a LiDAR system, the method including directing from a light source a distance-measuring beam of light on a target, receiving a reflection of the beam of light from the target on a fast mechanical scanner, compensating for angular offset induced by the fast mechanical scanner within the reflection of the beam of light using an offset compensator, and determining a distance between the light source and the target based on the offset corrected light beam output from the offset compensator and directed to a detector.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide an example LiDAR architecture that facilitates low-cost alignment of solid state components. The system includes at least a transceiver chip, a laser, and a u-shaped optical amplifier. The transceiver chip includes a signal preparation block that receives light from the laser and that modulates the laser light. The u-shaped optical amplifier is positioned to receive a light signal output from the signal preparation block and to output an amplified light signal back into the transceiver chip.

Abstract: A LiDAR system includes a first mirror positioned to receive the outgoing light beam from the laser; a second mirror positioned to receive a reflected light beam from the first mirror and to redirect the reflected light beam onto a target, and a detector that detects return light reflected off of the target. The second mirror of the optical periscope includes a cross-sectional area sized and shaped to substantially match a cross-sectional area of the reflected light beam to improve a quality of signal detected by the detector.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a mechanically-scanning 3-dimensional light detection and ranging (3D LiDAR) system including a galvo mirror attached to an armature of a galvanometer to reflect a light signal generated by a light generator, the galvanometer comprising at least one permanent magnet, at least one coil configured to carry current to move the armature, wherein the galvo mirror is configured to reflect the light signal generated by the light generator towards a one or more objects and the galvo mirror is further configured to reflect light signal reflected from the one or more objects towards a light detector.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a mechanically-scanning 3-dimensional light detection and ranging (3D LiDAR) system including a galvo mirror assembly, wherein the galvo mirror assembly includes a mirror attached to an armature of a galvanometer to reflect a light signal generated by a light generator and received from a target, at least one permanent magnet, and at least one coil configured to carry a current to move the armature.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining range information associated with a target using light detection and ranging (LiDAR). An emitter transmits a set of pulses of electromagnetic radiation to illuminate a target. The set of pulses includes a pair of emitted pulses with different waveform characteristics, such as slightly different phases. A detector receives a reflected set of pulses from the target. The received set of pulses includes a pair of received pulses with corresponding different waveform characteristics. The detector determines the range information by decoding the received pulses, such as by calculating an average of the phase differential in the received pulses. In this way, a single stage detector can be used without the need for separate I/Q (in-phase and quadrature) channels. Phase chirping can be used so that each successive pair of pulses has a different phase difference. Other waveform characteristics can be used including frequency, amplitude, shape, etc.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating pulses in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, a resonance chamber is provided to recirculate electromagnetic radiation from a light source between a base mirror and an active laminated structure characterized as a Bragg grating structure and having interleaved passive and active layers. A Q-switch control circuit applies a voltage profile to the active layers to transition the active laminated structure between a charging state in which the electromagnetic radiation recirculates within the resonance chamber and a release state in which the electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the active laminated structure as an emitted light pulse. The passive layers may be formed of a dielectric material. The active layers may be formed of a metal material such but not limited to Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3), Barium Titanate (BaTiO3), doped Silicon (Si), or doped Germanium (Ge).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing resolution in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, an emitter is configured to emit a first beam of light pulses over a baseline, first field of view (FoV). Responsive to an activation signal, a controller circuit directs the emitter to concurrently interleave a second beam of light pulses over a second FoV within the first FoV. The first and second beams may be provided at different resolutions and frame rates, and may have pulses with different waveform characteristics to enable decoding using separate detection channels. The interlaced beams provide variable scanning of particular areas of interest within the baseline FoV. The second beam may be activated based on range information obtained from the first beam, or from an external sensor. Separate light sources operative at different wavelengths can be used to generate the first and second beams.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enhancing resolution in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, an emitter is used to emit light pulses at a first resolution within a baseline, first field of view (FoV). A specially configured optical element, such as a refractive optical lens, is activated responsive to an input signal to direct at least a portion of the emitted light pulses to an area of interest characterized as a second FoV within the first FoV. The second FoV is provided with a higher, second resolution. In some cases, all of the light pulses are directed through the optical element to the second FoV. In other cases, the first FoV continues to be scanned at a reduced resolution. A rotatable polygon, micromirrors and/or solid state array mechanisms can be used to divert the pulses to the optical element.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have an optical sensor connected to an alias module. The optical sensor can have an emitter along with a first detector and a second detector. The alias module may be configured to characterize a detected return photon as an alias. The configuration of the detectors allows light beam walk to be corrected by the alias module.

Abstract: Apparatus for collimating light in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. A light source outputs a light beam for transmission to a target, such as a multi-mode source which generates an elongated beam with a higher diverging fast axis and a lower diverging slow axis. A refractive lens assembly collimates the light beam using a concave first cylindrical surface extending in facing relation toward the light source along the fast axis and a convex, second cylindrical surface facing away from the light source and extending along the slow axis orthogonal to the first cylindrical surface. A second refractive lens assembly distal from and orthogonal to the second cylindrical surface has a convex third cylindrical surface to further collimate the light beam along the fast axis. The elongated beam may diverge at a greater angle along the fast axis as compared to the slow axis.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have a light source coupled to a polygon reflector having a plurality of facets. A controller can be connected to the light source and directed to generate and execute a calibration strategy that alters an orientation of the light source in response to identification of a position of at least one facet of the plurality of facets.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a mechanically-scanning 3-dimensional light detection and ranging (3D LiDAR) system including a galvo mirror assembly, wherein the galvo mirror assembly includes a mirror attached to an armature of a galvanometer to reflect a light signal generated by a light generator and received from a target, at least one permanent magnet, and at least one coil configured to carry a current to move the armature.