Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a light source configured to generate an outgoing light signal that includes multiple channels that are each of a different wavelength. The system includes optical components that generate composite light signals. Each composite light signal includes light from a LIDAR input signal combined with light from a reference signal. The LIDAR input signals each includes light that was reflected by an object located apart from the system and that was included also in one of the channels. The reference signals do not include light that was reflected by the object but include light from one of the channels. Each of the composite signals is generated such that the reference signal and the LIDAR input included in the composite signal includes light from the same channel.

Abstract: A LIDAR system is configured to generate an outgoing light signal that exits from the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system is configured to receive an incoming light signal that enters the LIDAR system and that includes light from the outgoing light signal. The LIDAR system also includes an optical switch that receives the outgoing light signal and the incoming light signal and is configured to be operated in different modes. The incoming light signal and/or the outgoing light signal are routed along different optical paths through the LIDAR system in response to the optical switch being in different modes.