Abstract: Sensors, including time-of-flight sensors, may be used to detect objects in an environment. In an example, a vehicle may include a time-of-flight sensor that images objects around the vehicle, e.g., so the vehicle can navigate relative to the objects. Sensor data generated by the time-of-flight sensor can include saturated pixels, e.g., due to over-exposure, sensing highly-reflective objects, and/or excessive ambient light. In some examples, parameters associated with power of a time-of-flight sensor can be altered based on characteristics of the saturated pixels, as well as information about non-saturated pixels neighboring the saturated pixels. For example, the neighboring pixels may provide information about whether saturation is due to ambient light, e.g., sunlight, or due to emitted light from the sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensor module for time-of-flight measurement comprises an optical emitter, a main detector and a reference detector which are arranged in or on a carrier. An opaque housing of the optical sensor module has a first chamber and a second chamber which are separated by a light barrier. The housing has a cover section and is arranged on the carrier such that the optical emitter is located inside the first chamber, the main detector is located inside the second chamber and the reference detector is located outside the first chamber. Furthermore, a main surface of the cover section is positioned opposite the carrier. The optical emitter is arranged and configured to emit light through a first aperture in the cover section, and the main detector is arranged and configured to detect light entering the second chamber through a second aperture in the cover section.

Abstract: Optical sensing apparatus includes at least one semiconductor substrate and a first array of single-photon detectors, which are disposed on the at least one semiconductor substrate, and second array of counters, which are disposed on the at least one semiconductor substrate and are configured to count electrical pulses output by the single-photon detectors. Routing and aggregation logic is configured, in response to a control signal, to connect the single-photon detectors to the counters in a first mode in which each of at least some of the counters aggregates and counts the electrical pulses output by a respective first group of one or more of the single-photon detectors, and in a second mode in which each of the at least some of the counters aggregates and counts the electrical pulses output by a respective second group of two or more of the single-photon detectors.

Abstract: Provided are a light emitting module, a optical signal detection unit, an optical system and a laser radar system. The light emitting module comprises: a high-frequency modulation signal output unit (10), which is configured to output at least two preset high-frequency modulation signals with different frequencies; a laser emitting unit (20), which is connected with the high-frequency modulation signal output unit (10), and is configured to emit at least two laser beams with different frequencies after being respectively modulated by at least two high-frequency modulation signals with different frequencies; a reference signal emitting unit (30), which is connected with the high-frequency modulation signal output unit (10), and is configured to emit at least two reference signals with different frequencies after being respectively modulated by at least two high-frequency modulation signals with different frequencies.

Abstract: Embodiments describe a solid state electronic scanning LIDAR system that includes a scanning focal plane transmitting element and a scanning focal plane receiving element whose operations are synchronized so that the firing sequence of an emitter array in the transmitting element corresponds to a capturing sequence of a photosensor array in the receiving element. During operation, the emitter array can sequentially fire one or more light emitters into a scene and the reflected light can be received by a corresponding set of one or more photosensors through an aperture layer positioned in front of the photosensors. Each light emitter can correspond with an aperture in the aperture layer, and each aperture can correspond to a photosensor in the receiving element such that each light emitter corresponds with a specific photosensor in the receiving element.

Abstract: Embodiments describe a solid state electronic scanning LIDAR system that includes a scanning focal plane transmitting element and a scanning focal plane receiving element whose operations are synchronized so that the firing sequence of an emitter array in the transmitting element corresponds to a capturing sequence of a photosensor array in the receiving element. During operation, the emitter array can sequentially fire one or more light emitters into a scene and the reflected light can be received by a corresponding set of one or more photosensors through an aperture layer positioned in front of the photosensors. Each light emitter can correspond with an aperture in the aperture layer, and each aperture can correspond to a photosensor in the receiving element such that each light emitter corresponds with a specific photosensor in the receiving element.

Abstract: A directable light beam handling device for use in optical communication contains is provided that contains a rotation mechanism with a rotatable ring of soft magnetic material encircling a path of the beam from a beam expander. A mirror or prism being coupled to the rotatable ring is rotated with the ring. The ring includes an array of soft magnetic ridges, forming elevations extending from a surface of the ring. At least three electromagnets are used to drive rotation of the ring around the beam axis. Each electromagnets comprises a soft magnetic yoke, having poles at a first and second end portion of the yoke. The pole at the first end portion faces said surface of the ring, the first end portion having ridges elevated from the yoke in the direction towards the ring, in parallel with the ridges of the ring.

Abstract: A LIDAR system, preferably including one or more: optical emitters, optical detectors, beam directors, and/or processing modules. A method of LIDAR system operation, preferably including: determining a signal, outputting the signal, receiving a return signal, and/or analyzing the return signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lamp control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes information acquirer that acquires information on a sensor of a vehicle and acquires distance information between the sensor and a ground from the sensor, and a controller that calculates a slope of the vehicle based on the information on the sensor and the distance information between the sensor and the ground and generates a control signal for controlling a lamp of the vehicle based on the calculated slope of the vehicle.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system including a tunable laser beam source that generates a modulated laser beam over a frequency modulation range; a spiral phase plate resonator (SPPR) device responsive to the modulated laser beam and providing a transmitted beam; and a mirror responsive to the transmitted beam and directing the transmitted beam at a certain angle therefrom depending on the frequency of the laser beam.

Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed. The sensor system may comprise a housing; an emitter, carried by the housing, that emits a beam comprising depth-data signals; a beam-distribution adjustment system; and a processor programmed to control the adjustment system by selectively changing an angular distribution of the depth-data signals emitted from the housing.

Abstract: A human transported weapons system is comprised of a barrel, a targeting subsystem, a computational subsystem, positioning means, and, a firing subsystem. The barrel is movably mounted within a stock for propelling a projectile towards an area of sighting. The targeting subsystem identifies a chosen target in the area of sighting and locking onto the chosen target at a first time. The computational subsystem, responsive to the targeting subsystem, determines where the chosen target is, and determines where the projectile needs to be aimed to strike the chosen target at a firing time. The positioning means, adjusts the position of the barrel within the stock, responsive to the computational subsystem. The firing subsystem, activates firing at the firing time to propel the projectile through the barrel at the chosen target at the firing time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing multiple pulse LIDAR measurements are presented herein. In one aspect, each LIDAR measurement beam illuminates a location in a three dimensional environment with a sequence of multiple pulses of illumination light. Light reflected from the location is detected by a photosensitive detector of the LIDAR system during a measurement window having a duration that is greater than or equal to the time of flight of light from the LIDAR system out to the programmed range of the LIDAR system, and back. The pulses in a measurement pulse sequence can vary in magnitude and duration. Furthermore, the delay between pulses and the number of pulses in each measurement pulse sequence can also be varied. In some embodiments, the multi-pulse illumination beam is encoded and the return measurement pulse sequence is decoded to distinguish the measurement pulse sequence from exogenous signals.

Abstract: In a method for time-of-flight (ToF) based measurement, a scene is illuminated using a ToF light source modulated at a first modulation frequency FMOD(1). While the light is modulated using FMOD(1), depths are measured to respective surface points within the scene, where the surface points are represented by a plurality of respective pixels. At least one statistical distribution parameter is computed for the depths. A second modulation frequency FMOD(2) higher than FMOD(1) is determined based on the at least one statistical distribution parameter. The depths are then re-measured using FMOD(2) to achieve a higher depth accuracy.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for generating fused sensor data through metadata association. First sensor data captured by a first vehicle sensor and second sensor data captured by a second vehicle sensor are associated with first metadata and second metadata, respectively, to obtain labeled first sensor data and labeled second sensor data. A frame synchronization is performed between the first sensor data and the second sensor data to obtain a set of synchronized frames, where each synchronized frame includes a portion of the first sensor data and a corresponding portion of the second sensor data. For each frame in the set of synchronized frames, a metadata association algorithm is executed on the labeled first sensor data and the labeled second sensor data to generate fused sensor data that identifies associations between the first metadata and the second metadata.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an adaptive ladar receiver and associated method whereby the active pixels in a photodetector array used for reception of ladar pulse returns can be adaptively controlled based at least in part on where the ladar pulses were targeted. Additional embodiments disclose improved imaging optics for use by the receiver and further adaptive control techniques for selecting which pixels of the photodetector array are used for sensing incident light.

Abstract: A system includes a first lidar sensor and a second lidar sensor, where each lidar sensor includes a scanner configured to direct a set of pulses of light along a scan pattern and a receiver configured to detect scattered light from the set of light pulses. The scan patterns are at least partially overlapped in an overlap region. The system further includes an enclosure, where the first lidar sensor and the second lidar sensor are contained within the enclosure. Each scanner includes one or more mirrors, and each mirror is driven by a scan mechanism.

Abstract: LIDAR measurement system with a LIDAR transmitting unit and a LIDAR receiving unit, which is configured in a focal-plane-array arrangement, wherein the LIDAR receiving unit has a plurality of sensor elements and wherein the LIDAR transmitting unit has a plurality of emitter elements, wherein a plurality of sensor elements form a macrocell, wherein the macrocell is associated with a single emitter element, wherein the distance between two adjacent emitter elements is unequal to an integer multiple of the distance between two adjacent sensor elements.

Abstract: In an apparatus, each of light receiving elements outputs an intensity signal based on a corresponding intensity of return light from a measurement space. The return light includes reflected light reflected based on reflection of the measurement light by a target object. An identifying unit identifies a light receiving area in the light detection region as a function of the intensity signals of the respective light receiving elements. The light receiving area is based on specified light receiving elements in the plurality of light receiving elements. The specified light receiving elements are arranged to receive the reflected light. An estimating unit estimates, based on a geometry of the light receiving area, a state of the apparatus including a state of the optical system.

Abstract: A method for operating at least one distance-measuring surroundings sensor, in particular a radar sensor and/or a lidar sensor, of a motor vehicle. The surroundings sensor measures in an adaptable detection region by emitting a transmission signal and receiving a reception signal resulting due to reflection of the transmission signal. The detection region is adapted in dependence on an item of traffic information describing at least one further road user, in particular a further motor vehicle, in relation to the ego motor vehicle to reduce interference between the surroundings sensor of the motor vehicle and at least one surroundings sensor of the further road user.

Abstract: An optical sensing device includes a light source, which is configured to emit one or more beams of light pulses at respective angles toward a target scene. An array of sensing elements is configured to output signals in response to incidence of photons on the sensing elements. Light collection optics are configured to image the target scene onto the array. Control circuitry is coupled to actuate the sensing elements only in one or more selected regions of the array, each selected region containing a respective set of the sensing elements in a part of the array onto which the light collection optics image a corresponding area of the target scene that is illuminated by the one of the beams, and to adjust a membership of the respective set responsively to a distance of the corresponding area from the device.

Abstract: A time delay of arrival (TDOA) between a time that a light pulse was emitted to a time that a pulse reflected off an object was received at a light sensor may be determined for saturated signals by using an edge of the saturated signal, rather than a peak of the signal, for the TDOA calculation. The edge of the saturated signal may be accurately estimated by fitting a first polynomial curve to data points of the saturated signal, defining an intermediate magnitude threshold based on the polynomial curve, fitting a second polynomial curve to data points near an intersection of the first polynomial curve and the intermediate threshold, and identifying an intersection of the second polynomial curve and the intermediate threshold as the rising edge of the saturated signal.

Abstract: A dual Lidar-radar sensor instrument based on a photonic implementation. The instrument employs two continuous wave lasers that concurrently provide an optical Lidar signal and a microwave radar signal, via a high bandwidth photodetector, for inherent coherence of Lidar and radar functions for data fusion and other purposes. In illustrative examples, the photonic system is integrated as a photonic integrated circuit (PIC).

Abstract: A lidar system that includes a laser source can be controlled to schedule the firing of laser pulse shots at range points in a field of view. As part of this scheduling, the system can prioritize which elevations will be targeted with shots before other elevations based on defined criteria. Examples of such criteria can include prioritizing elevations corresponding to a horizon, prioritizing elevations which contain objects of interest (e.g., nearby objects, fast moving objects, objects heading toward the lidar system, etc).

Abstract: A system and method include receiving a first beam pattern from an optical source that comprises a plurality of optical beams transmitted towards a target causing different spaces to form between each optical beam. The system and method include measuring a vertical angle between at least two of the optical beams along a first axis and calculating a second beam pattern based on the vertical angle and a pivot point that causes the optical beams to be transmitted towards the target with substantially uniform spacing. The system and method include adjusting, at the pivot point, one or more components to form the second beam pattern to adjust the plurality of different spaces to the substantially uniform spacing for transmission towards the target. The system and method include receiving return optical beams from the target to produce a plurality of points to form the point cloud.

Abstract: A few-mode light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system may include an illumination source to generate an illumination beam, one or more transmission optics to direct at least a portion of the illumination beam within a field of view, one or more collection optics to collect return light from an object in the field of view illuminated by the illumination beam, wherein the collected return light includes a plurality of spatial modes, a few-mode optical amplifier to optically amplify portions of the return light propagating along at least two of the plurality of spatial modes, and a detector configured to convert output light from the few-mode optical amplifier to an output electrical signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a chip-scale LiDAR device can include a chip with three layers. The first layer includes a number of micromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors. The second layer includes a laser source; a beam splitter connected to the laser source; a number of waveguides, each connected to the beam splitter; and a number of beam deflectors, each beam deflector coupled with one of the number of waveguides. The third layer includes a receiving unit for receiving and processing reflected laser signals of one or more laser beams from the laser source. The first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are vertically attached to each other using either wafer bonding and/or solder bonding.

Abstract: A distance measurement device includes: a light source configured to emit visible illumination light; an imaging element configured to receive reflected light of the illumination light from an object; and a signal processing circuit configured to reduce the emission of the illumination light in a predetermined period, detect a timing when the reception of the reflected light at the imaging element is reduced due to the reduction of the illumination light, and measure a distance to the object on the basis of the detected timing.

Abstract: Various example embodiments are directed to apparatuses and methods including an apparatus having sensor circuitry and processing circuitry. In one example, sensor circuitry produces and senses detected signals corresponding to physical objects located in an operational region relative to a location of the sensor circuitry. The processing circuitry records and organizes information associated with the detected signals in a plurality of sub-histograms respectively associated with different accuracy metrics for corresponding sub-regions of the operational region, each of the plurality of sub-histograms including a set of histogram bins characterized by a bin width linked to its accuracy metric, and refines at least one of the accuracy metric by adapting one or more of the bin widths dynamically in response to the detected signals.

Abstract: A moving body including an external world information acquisition device is autonomously movable based on external world information acquired by the external world information acquisition device. The external world information acquisition device is arranged on an inner side of the moving body than an outer shell member of the moving body, and is formed with an external world information acquisition surface. The outer shell member has an opening portion. The moving body includes a cover member which is provided between the external world information acquisition device and the opening portion. The external world information acquisition surface acquires the external world information via the cover member. The cover member has a flat plate shape, and is arranged to face the external world information acquisition surface, and to be inclined in an upper-lower direction and a left-right direction of the moving body with respect to the external world information acquisition surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and techniques for estimating a height of an object by processing wave signals transmitted from a detection device to the object and reflected by the object. In aspects, a detection device transmits wave signals, which propagate via a direct path and an indirect path via reflection over a reflecting surface, to be reflected by the object. Operations include measuring wave signals reflected by the object and generating measurement vectors and producing a spectrum of an estimated elevation angle of the object over the range. Further, the operations include estimating the height of the object from the spectrum. The length of the window can be determined by estimating the range interval covered by a full phase cycle of a phase difference between the direct path and the indirect path from a current value of the range and a current estimate of the height of the object.

Abstract: An example optical transceiver system, such as a solid-state light detection and ranging (lidar) system, includes a tunable, optically reflective metasurface to selectively reflect incident optical radiation as transmit scan lines at transmit steering angles between a first steering angle and a second steering angle. In some embodiments, a feedback element, such as a volume Bragg grating element, may lock a laser to narrow the band of optical radiation. A receiver may include a tunable, optically reflective metasurface for receiver line-scanning or a two-dimensional array of detector elements forming a set of discrete receive scan lines. In embodiments incorporating a two-dimensional array of detector elements, receiver optics may direct optical radiation incident at each of a plurality of discrete receive steering angles to a unique subset of the discrete receive scan lines of detector elements.

Abstract: A photo-sensitive device comprises: an active layer configured to generate charges in response to incident light; a charge transport layer arranged below the active layer, wherein the charge transport layer comprises a first portion and a second portion being laterally displaced in relation to the first portion; a gate separated by a dielectric material from the charge transport layer, wherein said gate is arranged below the first portion and configured to control a potential thereof; and a transfer gate, which is separated by a dielectric material from a transfer portion of the charge transport layer between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the transfer gate is configured to control transfer of accumulated charges in the first portion to the second portion for read-out of detected light.

Abstract: A LIDAR system is provided. In one example, the LIDAR system can include an emitter configured to emit a light signal through one or more transmit lenses positioned along a transmit path to provide transmit signals to a surrounding environment. The LIDAR system can include a receiver spaced apart from the emitter. The receiver configured to detect return signals corresponding to reflected transmit signals from the surrounding environment. The return signals can be received via one or more receive lenses positioned along a receive path. The LIDAR system can include an actuator coupled to the one or more transmit lenses. The actuator can be operable to impart a motion to the one or more transmit lenses to provide for steering of the transmit signals in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A method for optical distance measurement is suggested, wherein a first distribution of times-of-flight of light of detected photons of transmitted measurement pulses is determined, which is stored in a first memory area of a memory unit. The first distribution of times-of-flight of light is assigned to time intervals of a first plurality of time intervals and frequency portions of the first distribution above a predetermined cut-off frequency are reduced or suppressed by means of a low pass filter in a reduction step, so that a second distribution of times-of-flight of light is generated. The second distribution is assigned to time intervals of a second plurality of time intervals and the blocking frequency of the low pass filter is selected to be smaller than or equal to half of the reciprocal value of a smallest interval width of the second plurality of time intervals.

Abstract: A detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object (112) is proposed. The detector (110) comprises: —at least two optical sensors (118, 120, 176), each optical sensor (118, 120, 176) having a light-sensitive area (122, 124), wherein each light-sensitive area (122, 124) has a geometrical center (182, 184), wherein the geometrical centers (182, 184) of the optical sensors (118, 120, 176) are spaced apart from an optical axis (126) of the detector (110) by different spatial offsets, wherein each optical sensor (118, 120, 176) is configured to generate a sensor signal in response to an illumination of its respective light-sensitive area (122, 124) by a light beam (116) propagating from the object (112) to the detector (110); and—at least one evaluation device (132) being configured for determining at least one longitudinal coordinate z of the object (112) by combining the at least two sensor signals.

Abstract: A detecting system includes: a sensor (10) that includes an antenna unit (11) formed with a metal pattern, and a back surface reflector (13) that faces the antenna unit (11) via an isolation layer (12); and a reader (20) that transmits electromagnetic waves (Fa) to the sensor (10), receives reflected waves (Fr) from the sensor (10), and compares the reflection characteristics of the sensor (10) detected from the reflected waves (Fr) with the reflection characteristics of the sensor (10) stored in advance, to detect a state change in the sensor (10).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing lidar data. The lidar data can be obtained in a particular manner that allows reconstruction of rectilinear images for which image processing can be applied from image to image. For instance, kernel-based image processing techniques can be used. Such processing techniques can use neighboring lidar and/or associated color pixels to adjust various values associated with the lidar signals. Such image processing of lidar and color pixels can be performed by dedicated circuitry, which may be on a same integrated circuit. Further, lidar pixels can be correlated to each other. For instance, classification techniques can identify lidar and/or associated color pixels as corresponding to the same object. The classification can be performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) coprocessor. Image processing techniques and classification techniques can be combined into a single system.

Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip configured to generate a LIDAR output signal that exits from a waveguide on the LIDAR chip. The system also includes optics that receive the LIDAR output signal from the waveguide. Electronics are configured to tune an image distance at which the LIDAR output signal is focused after exiting from the optics.

Abstract: Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems and methods of operating the LiDAR systems are provided. The LiDAR system includes a light emitter configured to emit first lights of different wavelengths in a vertical direction and at different scanning angles with respect to a horizontal axis, a lens configured to converge second lights that are reflected from objects on which the first lights are emitted, and a light filter comprising an active-type device configured to adjust a transmission central wavelength of the active-type device to the different wavelengths of the first lights that are emitted from the light emitter. The LiDAR system further includes a controller configured to control an operation of the light emitter and the light filter, and a detector configured to detect light from the light emitter, and obtain information about the objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor for detecting objects in a monitored zone that has a light transmitter; a deflection unit for deflecting the transmission light beam without mechanical moving parts or at most with micromechanical moving parts to scan the monitored zone; a light receiver; and a control and evaluation unit that is configured to determine information on the objects by means of the reception signal received by the light receiver. The sensor has at least one reference target that receives at least a portion of the deflected transmission light beam at at least one deflection angle of the deflection unit or returns it to the light receiver in order to generate a reference signal; and the control and evaluation unit is configured to check the operability of the deflection unit by means of the reference signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a light source. The apparatus also includes a measuring laser, such as a semiconductor laser. The measuring laser is configured to generate pulses with a maximum pulse duration of 10 ns. A wavelength of maximum intensity of the measuring laser radiation generated by the measuring laser ranges from 400 nm to 485 nm inclusive. The measuring laser radiation is used for distance measurement by means of LIDAR, for example in a car headlight.

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 MEMS scanning device may include: a movable MEMS mirror configured to pivot about at least one axis; at least one actuator operable to rotate the MEMS mirror about the at least one axis, each actuator out of the at least one actuator operable to bend upon actuation to move the MEMS mirror; and at least one flexible interconnect element coupled between the at least one actuator and the MEMS mirror for transferring a pulling force of the bending of the at least one actuator to the MEMS mirror. Each flexible interconnect element out of the at least one interconnect element may be an elongated structure comprising at least two turns at opposing directions, each turn greater than 120°.

Abstract: A dual mode ladar system includes a laser transmitter having a wavelength of operation and a modulator connected thereto to impose a modulation thereon. The modulator is configured to impose amplitude modulation and/or frequency modulation. Diffusing optics illuminate a field of view and an array of light sensitive detectors each produce an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of the laser light output.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method for a binocular LiDAR system. The system includes a light source, a beam steering apparatus, a receiving lens, a light detector. The light source is configured to transmit a pulse of light. The beam steering apparatus is configured to steer the pulse of light in at least one of vertical and horizontal directions along an optical path. The lens is configured to direct the collected scattered light to the light detector. The electrical processing and computing device is electrically coupled to light source and the light detector. The light detector is configured to minimize the background noise. The distance to the object is based on a time difference between transmitting the light pulse and detecting scattered light.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for fusing information, to be performed by a device comprising a processor and a memory device, the method comprising: receiving one or more distance readings related to the environment from a Lidar device emitting light in a predetermined wavelength; receiving an image captured by a multi spectra camera, the multi spectra camera being sensitive at least to visible light and to the predetermined wavelength; identifying within the image points or areas having the predetermined wavelength; identifying one or more objects within the image; identifying correspondence between each of the light points or areas and one of the readings; associating the object with a distance, based on the reading and points or areas within the object; and outputting indication of the object and the distance associated with the at least one object.

Abstract: A frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LIDAR can be configured to reduce re-reflection and cross-coupling in the FMCW LIDAR. A first laser can be configured to generate a ranging signal, and a second laser can be configured to generate a local oscillator signal. A feedback control can be configured to maintain an offset between the ranging signal and the local oscillator signal. The offset can be a non-zero value. A transmit portion configured to emit a reference laser signal based on the ranging signal into an environment. A receiver portion can be configured to receive a return laser signal from the environment. The return laser signal can be a reflected version of the reference laser signal. A receiver photodetector can be configured to combine the return laser signal and the local oscillator signal.

Abstract: A LIDAR system for detecting an object. The LIDAR system includes a rotor rotatable about a rotation axis, the rotor including at least two transceiver units, each having a detection area, the detection areas being oriented in different directions. Each of the at least two transceiver units includes a transmitting unit including at least one laser for emitting a laser beam into the detection area of the transceiver unit; and a receiving unit for receiving laser light which was reflected by the object in the detection area of the transceiver unit. At least one of the at least two transceiver units includes at least one beam duplication unit for duplicating the at least one laser beam into at least two duplication beams.

Abstract: Provided are a pulse laser ranging system and method employing a time domain waveform matching technique. The system comprises a software part and a hardware part. The hardware part comprises an optical collimation system, an FPGA, a filter, a photoelectric conversion system, an analog amplifier circuit, a laser transmitter, a signal combination system, an ADC sampling system and a narrow pulse laser transmitting circuit. When transmitting a control signal to control laser transmission, the FPGA sends a time reference pulse to the signal combination system. The signal combination system integrates the time reference pulse with a fixed amplitude analog echo signal to form an echo signal with a time reference. The echo signal with a time reference is quantified into a digital detection signal in the ADC sampling system. The digital detection signal is sent to the FPGA to undergo data analysis. The software part is used to perform time domain waveform matching analysis to obtain a ranging result.