A Compact High-Precision Cascade PID-Control Laser Driver for Airborne Coherent LiDAR Applications

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Aerospace Engineering
• Control Systems

Background:

• Precise dual-frequency laser control is critical for Airborne Coherent Doppler LiDAR systems.
• Existing systems face challenges in maintaining stable laser performance under varying environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative laser driver architecture for precise dual-frequency laser control in LiDAR.
• To enhance the stability and accuracy of laser frequency and power in airborne LiDAR applications.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a compact hardware design integrating cascade Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control.
• Incorporation of a frequency-temperature compensation mechanism for enhanced stability.
• Dynamic adjustment of dual-laser beat frequencies within a wide range (-1 GHz to +2 GHz).

Main Results:

• Achieved long-term temperature fluctuation below 0.007 °C and temperature stabilizing time under 4 s.
• Demonstrated long-term power fluctuation of the linear constant current source below 1%.
• Maintained frequency difference fluctuation within 3 MHz for dynamic dual-laser beat frequencies.

Conclusions:

• The developed laser driver architecture significantly enhances LiDAR performance through precise dual-frequency laser control.
• The system's stability and dynamic adjustment capabilities open possibilities for advanced environmental sensing, atmospheric monitoring, and autonomous systems.