Optical design for uniform scanning in MEMS-based 3D imaging lidar

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Lidar Technology
• Optical System Design

Background:

• 3D imaging lidar systems require precise scanning mechanisms for detailed environmental mapping.
• Achieving uniform scanning over a large field of view (FOV) is a significant challenge in lidar optical system design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and design an optical system for uniform scanning in 3D imaging lidar with an expanded FOV.
• To analyze the scanning uniformity and spot size performance of the designed system.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of theoretical formulas for optical system design.
• Utilizing ZEMAX optical design software for system simulation and optimization.
• Design of a foldaway uniform scanning optical system based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS).

Main Results:

• The designed MEMS-based optical system achieves uniform scanning within a 40°x40° FOV.
• The system maintains a small spot size on the target plane at a distance of approximately 100 meters.
• Analysis confirms the system's capability for effective 3D imaging lidar applications.

Conclusions:

• The proposed optical system design method enables uniform scanning over a large FOV in 3D imaging lidar.
• MEMS technology integrated into the optical system provides a compact and efficient solution for lidar scanning.
• The demonstrated performance indicates suitability for advanced lidar applications requiring wide-area coverage and high resolution.