Low-Resolution Imaging FMCW Lidar

TL;DR

This paper presents a low-resolution FMCW lidar system capable of constructing velocity and range images at 60 Hz over a 30-meter range, demonstrating its potential for fast scanning and target imaging.

Contribution

The work introduces a fiber bundle-based FMCW lidar with parallel heterodyne receivers, achieving high-speed imaging with low resolution and exploring its applications and improvements.

Findings

Achieved 60 Hz imaging rate for velocity and range images.

Successfully imaged spinning disk and hovering drone.

Demonstrated laser tuning linearity correction with phase-locked loop.

Abstract

We demonstrate the imaging capability of a frequency modulated continuous wave lidar based on a fiber bundle. The lidar constructs velocity and range images for hard targets at a rate of 60 Hz. The sensing range is up to 30 m with 20 mW of output power. The instrument employs custom electronics with seven parallel heterodyne receivers. An example of image recovery is presented on 6-pixel "pictures" of a spinning disk and a drone hovering in the air. In experiments, we also tested the laser tuning linearity correction with a phase-locked loop. We see the practicality of such a low-resolution system as a boost in scanning rate of conventional lidars or for direct target imaging with a further upgrade of pixel count.