Abstract: Techniques for determining whether a reflected lidar pulse has been subject to multipath reflection effects are disclosed. An initially emitted lidar pulse is generated having a property that varies across the pulse (either spatially in cross-section and/or temporally). Detected reflected pulses are analyzed to determine if they have similar or different properties. If the properties of both pulses are similar, the reflected pulse was likely not affected by multipath reflection. If the properties are similar, the reflected pulse likely was affected by multipath reflection. Pulses having a high likelihood of multipath reflections may be discarded (or disregarded) for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A light sensor and apparatus capable of determining depth and image data simultaneously from a target in an environment is discussed herein. The apparatus includes an array of photodetector elements comprising a first portion to detect frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signals from the reflected light signals and one or more additional portions that detect visible light signals from the environment.

Abstract: Techniques for protecting a sensor from an obstruction such as liquid are discussed herein. For instance, a sensor cover assembly can include a cover to protect a sensor from precipitation, contaminants, or other obstructions. The cover of the sensor cover assembly can be configured to direct an obstruction (e.g., a liquid) away from a lens of the sensor (e.g., a ring lens of a lidar sensor) to reduce obstructions to a field of view of the sensor. The cover can include one or more channels (e.g., a trough, a downspout, a gutter, etc.) or shapes (e.g., a curved surface, a sloped surface, a convex surface, etc.) to divert the obstruction away from the lens of the sensor.

Abstract: Techniques for protecting a sensor from an obstruction such as liquid are discussed herein. For instance, a sensor cover assembly can include a cover to protect a sensor from precipitation, contaminants, or other obstructions. The cover of the sensor cover assembly can be configured to direct an obstruction (e.g., a liquid) away from a lens of the sensor (e.g., a ring lens of a lidar sensor) to reduce obstructions to a field of view of the sensor. The cover can include one or more channels (e.g., a trough, a downspout, a gutter, etc.) or shapes (e.g., a curved surface, a sloped surface, a convex surface, etc.) to divert the obstruction away from the lens of the sensor.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting an obstruction associated with a lidar sensor are discussed herein. For example, a computing device can implement an obstruction detection component to detect rain, mud, dirt, dust, snow, ice, animal droppings, etc., on and/or near an outer surface of the lidar sensor. The obstruction detection component can apply one or more heuristics and/or models to the lidar data and/or compare pulse information associated with the lidar data to a threshold to determine a size, a type, or a location of an obstruction blocking a lidar beam.

Abstract: A method of poling and calibrating electro-optic fibers is disclosed. Metal electrodes are used to utilize the electro-optic effect to impart phase delays to the optical signal. Moreover, one or more electrodes may be used for heating of the device to reach softening temperatures of the electro-optic material, which allows easy, effective and efficient poling of the electro-optic material. A method based on continuous or periodic optical feedback is used to automatically calibrate the electro-optic device when its performance degrades with time to relaxation of molecular orientations.

Abstract: A method of poling and calibrating electro-optic fibers is disclosed. Metal electrodes are used to utilize the electro-optic effect to impart phase delays to the optical signal. Moreover, one or more electrodes may be used for heating of the device to reach softening temperatures of the electro-optic material, which allows easy, effective and efficient poling of the electro-optic material. A method based on continuous or periodic optical feedback is used to automatically calibrate the electro-optic device when its performance degrades with time to relaxation of molecular orientations.

Abstract: An optical fiber-based sensor assembly in the form of a cable assembly that can measure at least both pressure characteristics and temperature characteristics of a pressurized fluid in a channel in which the sensor cable assembly is disposed.