Understanding LiDAR: The Evolution, Applications, and Essential Optics for High-Performance Systems

Understanding LiDAR: e Evolution,

Applications, and Essential Optics for
High-Performance Systems
Sponsored by Avantier Inc. Jun 18 2024
Reviewed by Andrea Salazar

Optics for LIDAR and sensing have become much more affordable over the past
decade, with this useful technology currently accessible to almost anyone. The
newer iPhone Pro can even function as a handheld LiDAR system, though this is
currently less of a practical tool and more of a novelty application.

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) was introduced in 1961, shortly after the invention of
the laser. LiDAR was initially developed to track satellites by measuring the time taken for a
laser signal to return to the source device.

In 1971, a LiDAR altimeter was employed in mapping the surface of the moon, but this
device was huge, costly, and did not provide accurate results.

This key photonic technology is now utilized in thousands of applications, with improved
LiDAR technology seeing uses in map creation, the investigation of archaeological sites,
and as a means of detecting the surroundings of autonomous vehicles.

This article explores the fundamental principles of LiDAR and outlines the requirements of a
successful, high-performance LiDAR system.

What is LiDAR?
A LiDAR system is a photonic analogy of radar. Where radar uses soundwaves to detect
objects, LiDAR uses light from a precisely directed, rapidly firing laser being bounced off
terrain or a specific object.

As the light returns, time of flight calculations are performed to determine the exact distance
between two points. This information can then be used to generate detailed topographical
maps or three-dimensional models.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2606
1
/5
Understanding LiDAR: The Evolution, Applications, and Essential Optics for High-Performance Systems

LiDAR mapping is derived from time of flight calculations on laser light. Image Credit:
Avantier Inc.

Laser for LiDAR

A LiDAR system may employ UV, vis, or NIR lasers, depending on its specific design. The
choice of laser will depend on the objects under surveillance and the environment that the
imaging is undertaken in.

Non-scientific applications will generally utilize 600-1000 nm lasers, but these wavelengths
can be damaging to the human eye, so extra care must be taken under these
circumstances.

Er-doped fiber 1550 nm lasers are the most commonly used option for a range of military
applications, because these are fairly harmless to the human eye and cannot be seen by
night vision goggles.

These lasers are also a popular choice in topography mapping, distance measuring, and
obstacle avoidance, but their reliance on InGaAs sensors makes them less affordable than
lower-wavelength lasers used in other LiDAR applications.

LiDAR can use eye safe Er -doped fiber 1550 nm lasers to generate topographic maps like

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2606
2
/5
Understanding LiDAR: The Evolution, Applications, and Essential Optics for High-Performance Systems

these. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.

Underwater and bathymetry applications necessitate the use of a laser that exhibits
sufficient transmission in pure water and limited backscattering from the small particles
found in seawater.

For these applications, 534 nm frequency-doubled diode-pumped YA lasers are a good

choice. These lasers are able to penetrate water with minimal attenuation.

Airborne topographic mapping applications benefit from the use of 1064 nm diode-pumped
YAG lasers.

A number of other laser parameters are particularly relevant to LiDAR setups, including
laser power consumption, pulse repetition rate, and beam divergence.

Users will also need to choose between flash LiDAR - whereby the whole field of view is
illuminated at once - or more traditional scanning LiDAR, which surveys the field of view on
a point-by-point basis.

Controlling the Spectral Width with Bandpass Filters

A laser at 1064 nm is typically used for long-range airborne LiDAR systems, but this
presents a particular challenge due to the high levels of background noise generated by the
sun’s radiance. Signal to noise ratio can be improved in this setting by fitting a narrow
bandpass filter to the LiDAR receiver.

A robust filter that is able to perform consistently and reliably is necessary when working in
harsh environmental conditions. Multilayer thin film coatings that are able to accommodate
transmission and narrowly match the laser wavelength are typically utilized.

In applications where narrow linewidth meter-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) based

pulsed lasers are employed, the central wavelength is determined by the seeding laser
pulse. This wavelength can also be affected by a range of diode conditions, such as drive
current, temperature stabilization, and pulse repetition rate.

Wavelength control is no longer straightforward in this situation, so a bandpass filter should

be selected with a band wide enough to accommodate any anticipated wavelength shifts.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2606
3
/5
Understanding LiDAR: The Evolution, Applications, and Essential Optics for High-Performance Systems

Custom LiDAR Systems

Avantier focuses on custom optics solutions that are tailor-made to meet customers’ exact
specifications. There is no one-size-fits-all option in the LiDAR field, with ready-made
solutions rarely proving suitable for a given application.

In most cases, it is advisable to work with experienced optical engineers and designers to
develop a custom-made system to meet precise specifications.

Acknowledgments
Produced from materials originally authored by Avantier Inc.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by
Avantier Inc.

For more information on this source, please visit Avantier Inc.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2606
4
/5
Understanding LiDAR: The Evolution, Applications, and Essential Optics for High-Performance Systems

Avantier Inc.

Address

1100 US-22
North Plainfield
NJ, 07060
United States

Phone: +1 732 321-6915

Visit Website

Avantier Inc. is an unparalleled leader in providing imaging systems solutions and optical
solutions.

They offer advanced precision custom optical design, optical engineering, optical lens
assembly, rapid optical proto-typing, image processing and manufacturing services.

Avantier is both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified.

Primary Activity
Component Supplier
Service Provider

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2606
5
/5