Subpixel imaging system with enhanced optical multiplexing.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Computer Vision and Imaging

Background:

• Traditional fiber bundle multiplexers limit performance in Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems.
• Developing compact, high-efficiency solid-state LiDAR is crucial for advanced imaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel solid-state 3D LiDAR system utilizing subpixel imaging and microlens array-based optical multiplexing.
• To demonstrate a scalable architecture suitable for low-cost LiDAR applications.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a 2D laser diode array transmitter with a receiver featuring a projection lens, microlens multiplexer, and avalanche photodiode array.
• Development of a dual-layer microlens array for precise subpixel focusing and spatial multiplexing.
• Implementation of multiple encoding strategies for varied resolution and speed trade-offs.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-resolution 2D imaging (640x480) with CMOS sensors (320x240) using fewer patterns.
• Enabled fast 3D imaging with downscale detectors (2x2) by increasing encoding counts.
• Validated effectiveness in 3D point cloud reconstruction and 2D multiplexed imaging.

Conclusions:

• The proposed subpixel imaging technique significantly reduces detector requirements in LiDAR systems.
• The scalable architecture is suitable for integration with time-of-flight modules, paving the way for low-cost LiDAR.
• The system offers a promising solution for high-performance, cost-effective 3D imaging.