Abstract: Example embodiments relate to arrays of light detectors with a corresponding array of optical elements. An example embodiment includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. The LIDAR system includes an array of light detectors. The LIDAR system also includes a shared imaging optic. Further, the LIDAR system includes an array of optical elements positioned between the shared imaging optic and the array of light detectors. Each light detector in the array of light detectors is configured to detect a respective light signal from a respective region of a scene. Each respective light signal is transmitted via the shared imaging optic and modified by a respective optical element in the array of optical elements based on at least one aspect of the scene.

Abstract: A receiver including an analyzer and a detector coupled to the output of the analyzer. The analyzer selects a polarized component of a return beam for input to the detector. The analyzer may be linear, circular or elliptical. Coupled with a laser adapted to output a polarized beam, the receiver provides an active optical target detector. An arrangement may be included for compensating for rotation and ellipticity in the returned beam. In one embodiment, the arrangement for compensating for rotation of the orientation of linear polarization in the returned beam includes a Faraday rotator positioned between the transmitter and the analyzer. An arrangement is disclosed for varying the rotation in the returned beam using a Faraday rotator until a maximum transmittance is achieved. In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement for compensating for ellipticity in the returned beam includes an electro-optical modulator positioned between the transmitter and the analyzer.

Abstract: A receiver including an analyzer and a detector coupled to the output of the analyzer. The analyzer selects a polarized component of a return beam for input to the detector. The analyzer may be linear, circular or elliptical. Coupled with a laser adapted to output a polarized beam, the receiver provides an active optical ‘target detector. An arrangement may be included for compensating for rotation and ellipticity in the returned beam. In one embodiment, the arrangement for compensating for rotation of the orientation of linear polarization in the returned beam includes a Faraday rotator positioned between the transmitter and the analyzer. An arrangement is disclosed for varying the rotation in the returned beam using a Faraday rotator until a maximum transmittance is achieved. In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement for compensating for ellipticity in the returned beam includes an electro-optical modulator positioned between the transmitter and the analyzer.