Coherent radar/lidar integrated architecture

A novel coherent radar/lidar integrated architecture is proposed. It is based on previously published photonic-assisted radar and presents an innovative lidar scheme. The proposed lidar sensor exploits the same mode locked laser used for radar, minimizing the additional required hardware and power budget. Moreover an integrated radar/lidar system, merging the peculiarities of both the sensors, can provide a more effective scene cognition. The new lidar, that allows precise range measurements, as well as Doppler estimation, is detailed and experimentally demonstrated.