LiDAR

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

LiDAR is a core technology used in many high-growth, market applications and enhances machine vision beyond that of cameras alone. LiDAR is essential in automotive and autonomous vehicle development; however, it is increasingly being used in smart infrastructure, industrial automation, 3D mapping and environmental monitoring. Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LIDARs are capable of increased range and resolution, but also provide instantaneous velocity information without the need for complex post processing.

LiDAR systems rely on photonics technology, which is critical to the performance, reliability, precision and accuracy of the resulting applications. All functions of silicon-photonics are used in LiDAR systems, including waveguides, splitters, modulators, amplifiers and photo detectors. Further miniaturization and a reduction in the overall cost of LiDAR technology will see it being used in an even wider range of applications, including consumer electronics, agriculture, forestry, and urban planning.

OpenLight’s heterogeneous integration technology enables high quality, light sources and on chip gain using SOA’s, in a cost-effective manner. This supports the next-generation of FMCW LiDAR systems, whilst also enabling the miniaturisation and cost reduction, critical to rapid expansion and growth.