Lidar for autonomous vehicles: trends in lasers and detectors

David Schleuning; Jim Dunphy; Simon Verghese

doi:10.1117/12.3010003

12 March 2024 Lidar for autonomous vehicles: trends in lasers and detectors

David Schleuning, Jim Dunphy, Simon Verghese

Proceedings Volume 12867, High-Power Diode Laser Technology XXII; 1286702 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3010003
Event: SPIE LASE, 2024, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Lidar sensors provide perception pipelines with low-latency, three-dimensional point clouds, giving geometrically accurate data for the detection of objects, vehicles and pedestrians. In autonomous vehicles, sensor design needs to consider the challenges associated with cities and highways, solar background, as well as adverse weather conditions. We consider the advantages and limitations of different lidar technologies with a concentration on pulsed-time-of-flight lidar. Recent advances in Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) technology have increased photon-detection efficiency and reduced sources of noise. We review improvements in edge-emitting lasers and VCSELS, showing trends in power and Beam Parameter Product (BPP). For edge-emitting lasers, we review the performance of gain-guided versus index-guided lasers and resulting BPP. For VCSELs, we consider trends with larger diameters, more junctions, and back-side emission. Finally, we offer an overview of lidar technology for autonomous vehicles and suggest a roadmap for improved lasers and sensors.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

David Schleuning, Jim Dunphy, and Simon Verghese "Lidar for autonomous vehicles: trends in lasers and detectors", Proc. SPIE 12867, High-Power Diode Laser Technology XXII, 1286702 (12 March 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3010003

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