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: The technology disclosed herein includes a system having a light source configured to generate a laser signal, an optical signal splitter circuit configured to split the laser signal into a first laser signal for transmission to a plurality of targets and a second laser signal, an optical signal scanner configured to transmit the first laser signal to the plurality of targets, two or more optical delay lines configured to receive the second laser signal, wherein each of the two or more optical delay lines adds a predetermined time delay to the second laser signal to generate a delayed second laser signal, and a detector configured to receive a reflected laser signal from the plurality of targets, wherein the reflected laser signal includes a reflection of the first laser signal from the plurality of targets, and the delayed second laser signal.

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: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a high-capacity, high-bandwidth scalable storage device. The scalable storage device includes a layer stack including at least one memory layer and at least one optical control layer positioned adjacent to the memory layer. The memory layer includes a plurality of memory cells and the optical control layer is adapted to receive optically-encoded read/write signals and to effect read and write operations to the plurality of memory cells through an electrical interface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating and processing pulses in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, an emitter outputs phase modulated continuous wave (PMCW) light sequences encoded with a selected encoding scheme such as a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS). An analog processing circuit processes reflected light sequences from a target illuminated by the PMCW light sequences by performing analog extraction of a doppler component and analog encoding correlation prior to digitalization of the received signal. The analog processing circuit can include a plurality of demodulation stages each multiplying the input signals by positive and negative magnitudes of a scalar value at times corresponding to signal transitions of different associated doppler clock frequencies.

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: Method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for highly reflective targets such as retroreflectors in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, a bloom event (response) is detected in a detector output in response to the transmission and reflection of emitted light pulses against a target. A beam width of the emitted light pulses on the target is determined. The beam width is used to compensate at least a portion of the bloom response to obtain range information associated with the target. In this way, bloom compensation is provided without shutting down the capabilities of the LiDAR system in detecting the target causing the bloom, as well as in detecting other targets in the field of view.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enhancing resolution in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, an emitter emits light in the form of multiplexed beams of randomized, multiple wavelengths across a field of view (FoV). A detector uses one or more detection channels to detect the multiplexed beams reflected from a target within the FoV to decode range information associated with the target. The multiplexed beams may be generated by multiple light sources such as laser diodes, or a single source such as a frequency comb device. Randomization may be applied via a pseudorandom bit sequence modulator, and multiplexing/demultiplexing may be performed using waveguides and micro-resonance rings (MRRs). The multiplexed beam may be emitted using an optical phase array (OPA) integrated circuit device to scan the FoV simultaneously using the different wavelengths. The range information can be used to adaptively adjust the wavelengths in a subsequent scan.

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: A light detection and ranging system can have a controller connected to a light beam emitter. To provide enhanced resolution compared to frequency modulated continuous wave light detection and ranging systems, the controller may be configured to provide coherent light detection and ranging by utilizing pixel-based phase modulated continuous wave light emission from the emitter.

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: A light detection and ranging system can have an avalanche photodiode detector positioned between at least one pair of non-avalanche photodiode detectors with each detector connected to a photon controller. The photon controlled may selectively activate one or more detectors to determine an alignment of photons emitted by one or more emitters.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have a controller connected to a plurality of light energy emitters arranged as a solid-state optical phase array. The controller can be configured to adjust an optical element to change a light beam angle from at least one light energy emitter of the plurality of light energy emitters. The optical element can be physically separated from, and positioned downrange from, the plurality of light energy emitters.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have a light source coupled to a reflector consisting of a waveguide. The waveguide may be tuned to a selected polarization by a controller to block retroreflected photons resulting from a light beam emitted from the reflector. The waveguide polarization can be altered over time by the controller to provide customized blocking of photons.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have a photonic integrated circuit coupled to a grating coupler and a scanning array. The scanning array may consist of a mechanical actuator configured to move at least one detector in response to a calibration operation. As a result, coherent downrange detection can be achieved with light modulation, optical mixing, and balanced detection.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have a controller connected to an emitter and a detector. The controller may be configured to selectively move portions of the detector to increase a pixel resolution for a portion of a downrange field of view. The controller can utilize multi-spectral wavelength customization to further increase the pixel resolution of the detector.

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: 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.