Abstract: An optical transmitter including a laser diode array configured to emit corresponding laser pulses; a micro-optics module configured to focus the laser pulses into a scanning beam; and a drive motor configured to rotate the optical transmitter so the scanning beam covers a horizontal field of view.

Abstract: A method for developing a map of objects in a region surrounding a location is disclosed. The method includes interrogating the region along a detection axis with a series of optical pulses and detecting reflections of the optical pulses that originate at objects located along the detection axis. A multi-dimensional map of the region is developed by scanning the detection axis about the location in at least one dimension. The reflections are detected via a single-photon detector that is armed using a sub-gating scheme such that the single-photon detector selectively detects photons of reflections that originate only within each of a plurality of zones that collectively define the detection field. In some embodiments, the optical pulses have a wavelength within the range of 1350 nm to 1390 nm, which is a spectral range having a relatively high eye-safety threshold and a relatively low solar background.

Abstract: Implementing systems and methods for operating a LiDAR system. The methods comprise: supplying current from a laser diode bar driver of the LiDAR system to a light source of the LiDAR system; passing the current through a laser diode bar of the light source (the laser diode bar comprising a plurality of laser diodes electrically connected in series); emitting a light beam from the light source when current is passing through the plurality of laser diodes; and/or receiving light reflected off an object.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved LiDAR systems and methods that achieve an improved signal-to-noise by interrogating a sub-region of a scene with an optical signal. An instantaneous field-of-view (FOV) of each detector pixel is narrowed along a first direction to reduce detection of solar-generated photons. Instantaneous FOVs of the pixels are compressed along the first direction to provide a composite FOV that is narrower than a total FOV. To sample the total FOV of a scene, the optical signal and composite FOV of the receiver are scanned across the scene along the first direction.

Abstract: A monolithic series-connected laser-diode array is presented, where the array is formed on a non-conductive substrate that includes a plurality of discrete electrically conductive regions. Each laser diode of the array is disposed on a different conductive region such that the laser cavity of each laser diode is optically isolated from its respective conductive region, thereby avoiding optical loss in the laser cavity due to interaction with the highly doped conductive material. Each conductive region is configured to extend past the lateral extent of its respective laser-diode structure. Electrical connection between adjacent laser diodes of the array is made by forming a conductive trace that extends from the top contact of one of the laser diodes to the conductive region on which the other laser diode is disposed.

Abstract: A method for developing a map of objects in a region surrounding a location is disclosed. The method includes interrogating the region along a detection axis with a series of optical pulses and detecting reflections of the optical pulses that originate at objects located along the detection axis. A multi-dimensional map of the region is developed by scanning the detection axis about the location in at least one dimension. The reflections are detected via a single-photon detector that is armed using a sub-gating scheme such that the single-photon detector selectively detects photons of reflections that originate only within each of a plurality of zones that collectively define the detection field. In some embodiments, the optical pulses have a wavelength within the range of 1350 nm to 1390 nm, which is a spectral range having a relatively high eye-safety threshold and a relatively low solar background.

Abstract: A monolithic series-connected laser-diode array is presented, where the array is formed on a non-conductive substrate that includes a plurality of discrete electrically conductive regions. Each laser diode of the array is disposed on a different conductive region such that the laser cavity of each laser diode is optically isolated from its respective conductive region, thereby avoiding optical loss in the laser cavity due to interaction with the highly doped conductive material. Each conductive region is configured to extend past the lateral extent of its respective laser-diode structure. Electrical connection between adjacent laser diodes of the array is made by forming a conductive trace that extends from the top contact of one of the laser diodes to the conductive region on which the other laser diode is disposed.

Abstract: A method for developing a map of objects in a region surrounding a location is disclosed. The method includes interrogating the region along a detection axis with a series of optical pulses and detecting reflections of the optical pulses that originate at objects located along the detection axis. A multi-dimensional map of the region is developed by scanning the detection axis about the location in at least one dimension. The reflections are detected via a single-photon detector that is armed using a sub-gating scheme such that the single-photon detector selectively detects photons of reflections that originate only within each of a plurality of zones that collectively define the detection field. In some embodiments, the optical pulses have a wavelength within the range of 1350 nm to 1390 nm, which is a spectral range having a relatively high eye-safety threshold and a relatively low solar background.

Abstract: A GmAPD imager with an increased field of view includes at least one array of movable mirrors. Each movable mirror in the array switches between at least two positions (states). The movable mirrors receive light coming from a first direction when the mirror is in the first state and a second direction when the mirror is in the second state, thus increasing the field of view of the imager.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved LiDAR systems and methods that achieve an improved signal-to-noise by interrogating a sub-region of a scene with an optical signal. An instantaneous field-of-view (FOV) of each detector pixel is narrowed along a first direction to reduce detection of solar-generated photons. Instantaneous FOVs of the pixels are compressed along the first direction to provide a composite FOV that is narrower than a total FOV. To sample the total FOV of a scene, the optical signal and composite FOV of the receiver are scanned across the scene along the first direction.

Abstract: A method for developing a map of objects in a region surrounding a location is disclosed. The method includes interrogating the region along a detection axis with a series of optical pulses and detecting reflections of the optical pulses that originate at objects located along the detection axis. A multi-dimensional map of the region is developed by scanning the detection axis about the location in at least one dimension. The reflections are detected via a single-photon detector that is armed using a sub-gating scheme such that the single-photon detector selectively detects photons of reflections that originate only within each of a plurality of zones that collectively define the detection field. In some embodiments, the optical pulses have a wavelength within the range of 1350 nm to 1390 nm, which is a spectral range having a relatively high eye-safety threshold and a relatively low solar background.

Abstract: A method for developing a map of objects in a region surrounding a location is disclosed. The method includes interrogating the region along a detection axis with a series of optical pulses and detecting reflections of the optical pulses that originate at objects located along the detection axis. A multi-dimensional map of the region is developed by scanning the detection axis about the location in at least one dimension. The reflections are detected via a single-photon detector that is armed using a sub-gating scheme such that the single-photon detector selectively detects photons of reflections that originate only within each of a plurality of zones that collectively define the detection field. In some embodiments, the optical pulses have a wavelength within the range of 1350 nm to 1390 nm, which is a spectral range having a relatively high eye-safety threshold and a relatively low solar background.

Abstract: A GmAPD imager with an increased field of view includes at least one array of movable mirrors. Each movable mirror in the array switches between at least two positions (states). The movable mirrors receive light coming from a first direction when the mirror is in the first state and a second direction when the mirror is in the second state, thus increasing the field of view of the imager.

Abstract: A method for developing a map of objects in a region surrounding a location is disclosed. The method includes interrogating the region along a detection axis with a series of optical pulses and detecting reflections of the optical pulses that originate at objects located along the detection axis. A multi-dimensional map of the region is developed by scanning the detection axis about the location in at least one dimension. The reflections are detected via a single-photon detector that is armed using a sub-gating scheme such that the single-photon detector selectively detects photons of reflections that originate only within each of a plurality of zones that collectively define the detection field. In some embodiments, the optical pulses have a wavelength within the range of 1350 nm to 1390 nm, which is a spectral range having a relatively high eye-safety threshold and a relatively low solar background.