Improving ranging performance of SiPM LiDAR in low SNR conditions through an echo processing method and laser pulse...

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• LiDAR Technology
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) offer advantages for LiDAR but struggle with weak signals and ambient light, degrading ranging performance at low SNRs.
• Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in maintaining accuracy under adverse conditions like low SNR and high ambient light.
• Accurate ranging is crucial for applications such as autonomous driving and environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel echo processing method for SiPM-based LiDAR systems to enhance ranging performance under low SNR conditions.
• To investigate the impact of laser pulse width modulation and multi-pulse emission on SiPM LiDAR ranging accuracy.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in challenging environments with high ambient light and weak echoes.

Main Methods:

• A new echo processing technique was developed, leveraging the statistical properties of SiPM responses.
• Experiments were conducted using a self-developed LiDAR system under intense sunlight (>50 klx).
• Laser pulse width modulation and multi-pulse laser emission strategies were employed to optimize signal detection.

Main Results:

• The novel echo processing method significantly improved ranging performance in low SNR scenarios.
• Increasing laser pulse width within a specific range positively impacted ranging precision.
• Multi-pulse laser emission demonstrated a more substantial improvement in ranging performance compared to single pulses.
• A 122 m target was successfully ranged with 6.53 cm precision using a three-pulse laser (3.2 W peak power) and five accumulations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed statistical echo processing method effectively enhances SiPM LiDAR ranging performance under low SNR and high ambient light conditions.
• Optimizing laser pulse width and employing multi-pulse emission are crucial for maximizing SiPM LiDAR capabilities.
• This advancement enables more reliable and precise LiDAR measurements in challenging environmental conditions, expanding its application potential.