DMD as a Pseudo-Pixel Array for Long-Range High-Speed LIDAR

Paul Hawthorne*, Mark W. McDonald, Ian S. Park, Duncan P. Hand

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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Abstract

Long-range, high-speed, free-space LIDAR systems face challenges from ambient background noise. Maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is vital for extending the range and increasing the scanning speed. One effective strategy in steered LIDAR systems is using field-of-view (FOV) filtering to retain signals and suppress noise. Pixel-based approaches with sensitive detector arrays are costly, especially at near-infrared wavelengths. This work employs a digital micromirror device (DMD) as a pseudo-pixel array. It redirects signal light to a single-pixel detector while routing noise light to a beam dump. This work explores a simple experimental setup to explore the DMD’s range improvement potential. Ambient noise rejections ratios greater than 20 were exhibited using a 6×6 pseudo-pixel array on the DMD, resulting in a 1.97 fold range improvement in a theoretical LIDAR system. This approach thus offers a means of enhancing long-range, high-speed, free-space LIDAR systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLaser Radar Technology and Applications XXIX
EditorsGary W. Kamerman, Lori A. Magruder, Monte D. Turner
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510674172
ISBN (Print)9781510674165
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jun 2024
EventSPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing 2024 - National Harbor, United States
Duration: 21 Apr 202425 Apr 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
Volume13049
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceSPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNational Harbor
Period21/04/2425/04/24

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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