Compact LIDAR System

摘要

An FM LIDAR system is described that includes a frequency modulated LIDAR system that incorporates a laser source that is optically coupled to a whispering gallery mode optical resonator. Light from the laser that is coupled into the whispering gallery mode optical resonator is coupled back out as a returning counterpropagating wave having a frequency characteristic of a whispering gallery mode of the optical resonator. This returning wave is used to reduce the linewidth of the source laser by optical injection. Modulation of the optical properties of the whispering gallery mode optical resonator results in modulation of the frequency of the frequencies supported by whispering gallery modes of the resonator, and provides a method for producing highly linear and reproducible optical chirps that are highly suited for use in a LIDAR system. Methods of using such an FM LIDAR system and vehicle assisting systems that incorporate such FM LIDAR systems are also described.

主权项

1. A LIDAR system comprising:
a laser light source configured to transmit a first range of frequencies characterized by a first linewidth along a first optical path; a whispering gallery mode resonator that is optically coupled to the laser light source to receive light emitted by the laser light source, wherein the whispering gallery mode resonator is configured to provide a whispering gallery mode corresponding to a second range of frequencies, wherein the second range of frequencies is narrower than the first range of frequencies, such that a propagating wave at the second range of frequencies is circulated within the whispering gallery mode resonator, wherein at least a portion of the propagating wave is optically coupled out of the whispering gallery mode resonator and provides injection locking of the laser light source to provide a locked laser light source; a transducer coupled to the whispering gallery mode optical resonator and configured to alter an optical property of the whispering gallery mode optical resonator; a controller that is operationally coupled to the transducer; a transmission assembly configured to direct a transmitted optical chirp out from the LIDAR system; and a receiver assembly configured to receive a reflected optical chirp; and a processor configured to determine position of an external object relative to the LIDAR system on the basis of a characterization of the reflected chirp.