New integrated LiDAR technology using chip-integrated beam steering and frequency-angular imaging

We report an on-chip, acousto-optic beam steering technique that uses only a single gigahertz acoustic transducer to steer light beams into free space. Exploiting the physics of Brillouin scattering, where beams steered at different angles are labeled with unique frequency shifts, this technique uses a single coherent receiver to resolve an object’s angular position in the frequency domain and enables frequency-angular resolving (FAR) LiDAR.

We demonstrate a simple device construction, control system for beam steering, and frequency-domain detection scheme at a low manufacturing cost. The device achieves frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) ranging with an 18 deg field of view (FOV) and 0.12 deg angular resolution. The device can be scaled up to an array realizing miniature, low-cost FAR LiDAR imaging systems with a wide 2D field of view.

A invited speaker presentation by Professor Mo Li, University of Washington, Seattle.

About Mo Li
Dr. Mo Li is a Professor in the UW Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the UW Physics Department.

About University of Washington, Seattle
Since our founding in 1861, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Driven by a mission to serve the greater good, our students, faculty and staff tackle today’s most pressing challenges with courage and creativity, making a difference across Washington state — and around the world.

Our three campuses
The UW comprises campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma, as well as a world-class medical center serving the state and the region. Each year, the UW inspires more than 60,000 students to learn from renowned experts in their fields. As a “best buy” public university, our goal is to make higher education accessible for all.

For more information go to the website.

Professor Mo Li is invited speaker at the 2024 edition of the European Conference on Integrated Optics.

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