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.
3D printed Fresnel lens combining diffractive elements with refractive surfaces. Credit: Nanoscribe
Benjamin Skuse investigates some impressive additive methods for producing polymer and glass optics for imaging
Lee highlights to European Commissioner Thierry Breton that Europe should play a leading role in photonics
Carlos Lee on the European Photonics Industry Consortium’s latest advocacy efforts
Per Karlsson, CEO of NorthLab Photonics, discusses his career path, the key to effective management, and his advice for future entrepreneurs
Image credit: Maximillian cabinet/Shutterstock.com
Superluminescent LED drivers can help us understand ocean turbulence, here’s how
Image credit: metamorworks/Shutterstock.com
A look at the market for lidar and some of the systems, products and solutions available
Image credit: Francesco Scatena/Shutterstock.com
A look at the market for hyperspectral imaging and some of the products and solutions available
Freeform optics come into their own in applications such as illumination – for example, modern LED headlight designs (credit: i viewfinder/Shutterstock.com)
How optical designers can realise the benefits of using freeform optical elements from the R&D stage when designing for illumination applications
Image credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
A look at the current market for Neurophotonics and some of the products and solutions available
How solid-state light engines can meet the exact needs of many biotech and industrial applications
The space sector offers numerous oppurtunities for photonics technologies in the development and offering of satellite-based services. (Image: Shutterstock/Dima Zel)
The ongoing commercialisation of the space sector is creating numerous opportunities for photonics technologies, Matthew Dale learns
Preliminary testing of the quantum gravity gradiometer designed by Michael Holynski and colleagues at the University of Birmingham, which has now been shown to locate an underground tunnel with a positional accuracy of 20cm. Credit: Crown Copyright
Susan Curtis explores the new breed of quantum gravimeters finding their way onto the slopes of Mount Etna and into tunnels deep under Birmingham
Ams Osram’s multi-junction VCSELs are helping to improve automotive lidar. Credit: Ams Osram
Multi-junction vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers are likely to displace LEDs and edge-emitting lasers in sensing, finds Andy Extance
At this year’s EPIC AGM Matthew Dale learned that advocacy efforts need to be targeted to ensure an ideal future for the European photonics industry
At this year’s EPIC AGM Matthew Dale learned that increasing advocacy efforts is a must to ensure an ideal future for European photonics
