Comparison of LIDAR system performance for alternative single-mode receiver architectures: modeling and experimental validation

Paul Toliver; Ibrahim Ozdur; Anjali Agarwal; T. K. Woodward

doi:10.1117/12.2020840

4 June 2013 Comparison of LIDAR system performance for alternative single-mode receiver architectures: modeling and experimental validation

Paul Toliver, Ibrahim Ozdur, Anjali Agarwal, T. K. Woodward

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8731, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XVIII; 87310W (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2020840
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2013, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a detailed performance comparison of alternative single-pixel, single-mode LIDAR architectures including (i) linear-mode APD-based direct-detection, (ii) optically-preamplified PIN receiver, (iii) PINbased coherent-detection, and (iv) Geiger-mode single-photon-APD counting. Such a comparison is useful when considering next-generation LIDAR on a chip, which would allow one to leverage extensive waveguide-based structures and processing elements developed for telecom and apply them to small form-factor sensing applications. Models of four LIDAR transmit and receive systems are described in detail, which include not only the dominant sources of receiver noise commonly assumed in each of the four detection limits, but also additional noise terms present in realistic implementations. These receiver models are validated through the analysis of detection statistics collected from an experimental LIDAR testbed. The receiver is reconfigurable into four modes of operation, while transmit waveforms and channel characteristics are held constant. The use of a diffuse hard target highlights the importance of including speckle noise terms in the overall system analysis. All measurements are done at 1550 nm, which offers multiple system advantages including less stringent eye safety requirements and compatibility with available telecom components, optical amplification, and photonic integration. Ultimately, the experimentally-validated detection statistics can be used as part of an end-to-end system model for projecting rate, range, and resolution performance limits and tradeoffs of alternative integrated LIDAR architectures.

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Paul Toliver, Ibrahim Ozdur, Anjali Agarwal, and T. K. Woodward "Comparison of LIDAR system performance for alternative single-mode receiver architectures: modeling and experimental validation", Proc. SPIE 8731, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XVIII, 87310W (4 June 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2020840

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