Key Components of LiDAR
Transmission Subsystem
The transmission subsystem consists of a fiber laser or a diode that is either edge-emitting or surface-emitting.
Detection Subsystem
The detection subsystem includes an optical detection system with electronics to convert the incoming photons.
Scanning Subsystem
A flash LiDAR illuminates the entire Field of View (FoV) simultaneously with photons and collects these onto a 2D array of detectors. In systems in which a laser illuminates the FoV sequentially, a scanning system is required. This can be achieved opto-mechanically (moving parts), electronically (no moving parts) or optically (no moving parts). Combinations of these different scanning techniques can also be used.
Signal Processing and Drive Electronics
Signal processing systems process the electronic signal from the detector to create a 3D point cloud representation of the environment. Drive electronics provide the mechanism to drive the laser and convert electrical power to optical power.
Optical Subsystem
The optical subsystem is used to shape the outgoing laser energy on the FoV and focus incoming photons on the detector.
Mechanical Subsystem
The mechanical subsystem is used to package the LiDAR and provide appropriate thermal, mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces to the platform or application on which the LiDAR is mounted.