Monitoring greenhouse gases directly from space is essential to improve the accuracy of climate change analysis. This whitepaper details the use of a LIDAR in space using a GHz frequency-comb for in-orbit calibration.
Lidar systems are complex, dynamic devices involving both optical, mechanical, and electronic components that must work together while interacting reliably with a widely varying external environment. It is the optical part of the system that interacts with the environment, and so it is through optical modeling that we can gain a crucial insight into expected performance under varying conditions.
In this paper, we will take a brief look at how illumination ray tracing software can be used by engineers to gain these insights into expected lidar system performance before building expensive prototype systems.
An illustration of lidar waves. Credit: Johann Riemensberger
In a study published in Nature, researchers at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) demonstrate a new way to speed up a type of lidar engine by using photonic circuits
Quanergy Systems, a provider of lidar sensors and software, has expanded a range of products the firm says could help support social distancing to help businesses and public services return to normal
Luminar's lidar solution will integrate seamlessly into the roof of Volvo's future cars. (Image: Luminar)
The lidar will be seamlessly integrated into the roof of Volvo's SPA 2 modular vehicle architecture
New filter chips developed at the University of Pennsylvania could enable high-quality lasers at a fraction of their current size and cost
A new frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar technique is being used to test the thickness and length of optics
The lidar scanner works with the cameras, motion sensors, and frameworks in iPadOS to scan the scene.
Apple has said the scanner will provide 'cutting-edge depth-sensing capabilities' that have 'never before possible on any mobile device'
Focuslight technologies, a global provider of high power diode lasers and micro optics, announced the LIMO Wide Angle Diffuser at SPIE Photonics West 2020. Designed for automotive LiDAR and 3D sensing applications, the LIMO Wide Angle Diffuser is a glass refractive optical element (ROE) with the ability to disperse laser light in one direction up to a full illumination angle, ranging from a few mrad up to 150 degrees. When combined with a second functional surface, the light can also be shaped at any desired angle in the other direction.
Focuslight technologies, a global provider of high power diode lasers and micro optics, announced the Focuslight FocusFlux® AL01 Series LiDAR laser module at SPIE Photonics West 2020. The FocusFlux AL01 series is a high peak power, 1064nm laser module that employs a novel, compact, solid state design. It features a 1.5mJ 3ns laser pulse based on Q-switch technology. Built-in advanced glass diffusers enable it to generate a configurable field of view (FOV) of 125x25, 60x45, or customized per request.
