LiDAR System With a Coin-Sized Sensor Head and an Optical Preamplifier Capable of Detection at 200 m

We have developed a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system with a coin-sized sensor head that includes a scanning mechanism. This powerful detection device, which incorporates optical fiber technology, is based on time-of-flight measurements and can detect targets up to 200 m. The distinguishing characteristic of our system is that it uses optical amplifiers for the receiver. This enables the system to exceed the detection limit set by thermal noise and reach the detection limit of shot noise. In experiments conducted, we achieved a 200-m measurement range using a receiving lens of only 3 mm in diameter. This small and highly sensitive measurement technology could potentially be used in automotive LiDAR.