Parallel random LiDAR with spatial multiplexing of a many-mode laser.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• 3D Sensing Technologies

Background:

• Traditional light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems face limitations in speed and parallel processing capabilities.
• Highly multimode lasers offer potential for novel sensing applications due to their complex output characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel parallel LiDAR system.
• To leverage random intensity fluctuations from a multimode laser for high-speed ranging.
• To achieve robust and high-resolution 3D sensing.

Main Methods:

• Optimized a degenerate cavity to support simultaneous lasing of multiple spatial modes with distinct frequencies.
• Utilized spatio-temporal beating of these modes to generate ultrafast random intensity fluctuations.
• Employed spatial demultiplexing to create hundreds of uncorrelated time traces for parallel ranging.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated parallel ranging with hundreds of uncorrelated channels.
• Achieved a bandwidth exceeding 10 GHz per channel.
• Obtained a ranging resolution better than 1 cm.
• Showcased robustness to cross-channel interference.

Conclusions:

• The proposed parallel random LiDAR system is a viable method for high-speed 3D sensing.
• This technique overcomes limitations of conventional LiDAR by enabling parallel data acquisition.
• The system's robustness and resolution pave the way for advanced 3D imaging applications.