LIDAR Lasers – Laser Sources for LIDAR Systems

LIDAR Based Applications

LIDAR-based applications come in many different forms. Typically, these applications are determined by the effective object detection range, how accurately the LIDAR identifies and classifies objects (resolution), and how well the LIDAR can see something in the presence of bright objects, like reflective signs or the sun (reflectance confusion). Some commonly categorized LIDAR applications include:

• Topographic LIDAR
• Bathymetric LIDAR (Bathymetry)
• Doppler LIDAR
• Automotive LIDAR
• 3D Scanning
• 3D Mapping

Many Industries Take Advantage of LIDAR and 3D Scanning Applications:

• Agriculture: LIDAR is used to map terrains, or to tell farmers where they should be distributing their costly fertilizers
• Automotive: LIDAR is used for obstacle detection and avoidance
• Biology & Conservation: LIDAR is used to monitor forest canopy heights or deforestation
• Atmospheric Remote Sensing & Metrology: LIDAR is used to measure winds, study clouds, or aerosols
• Military: LIDAR for autonomous vehicle guidance and for identifying possible targets
• Mining: LIDAR is used to map excavated areas to determine volume removal
• Surveying: LIDAR is used for mapping building and surrounding areas for future development

Key Laser Source Specifications for Various Types of LIDAR

LIDAR lasers are available in a vast range of configurations, tailored for different sets of end-use applications. The main determining factor for which type of LIDAR laser you need depends on whether your application is measuring a moving or stationary target.

Stationary LIDAR / 3D Scanning Target:

• Short pulses (few nanoseconds down to the picosecond range)
• High pulse energy
• Excellent beam quality
• ‘Eye-safe’ wavelengths recommended

Moving LIDAR Target – Measuring Speed:

• Short pulses (few nanoseconds down to the picosecond range)
• High pulse energy
• Excellent beam quality
• Frequency modulation
• Single-frequency (narrow linewidth)
• ‘Eye-safe’ wavelengths recommended

Bathymetric LIDAR (Bathymetry):

• Short pulses (few nanoseconds down to the picosecond range)
• High pulse energy
• Excellent beam quality
• Single-frequency (narrow linewidth)
• ≈ 440 nm for clean water / ≈ 532 for dirty water
• ≈ 1064 nm for measuring to surface of water

LIDAR Pain Points

Depending on the type of LIDAR system employed, there are some known challenges involved:

Segregation and exclusion of reflected signal from the source beam – The radiance of the source beam is typically much higher than that of any return beam or signal. It is critical to mitigate any reflected or scattered beam from re-entering the receiver, which may saturate the detector, rendering it unable to properly detect external targets.

False signal returns from atmospheric debris and particles between the transmitter and targets of interest – These ‘contaminants’ can cause false signals to be detected by the receiver and cause noise or false readings rather than properly detecting your targets.

Limited optical power – While they tend to come at a higher price point, a laser source which provides a higher output power can provide higher accuracy when collecting data from the target.

Scanning speed – Safety is always a critical factor when working with lasers, and especially with applications like LIDAR, where other people are more likely to come into contact with the beam, as opposed to a laboratory application. Even moreso, working with a wavelength outside the ‘eye-safe’ region (≈ 1.5 µm or ≈ 1540 nm) increases risk. Newer methods, such as flash LIDAR, which illuminates a larger area at once (typiclly using ‘eye-safe’ wavelengths) help to mitigate risk.

Noise / interference – When there are multiple LIDAR devices in an area, there is an increased chance that the receiver detects signals from on of the other devices. This can be a major problem for automotive LIDAR, for example. Some solutions to this problem are being tested, such as signal chirping and isolation, in an effort to differentiate the various signals.

Price point and required maintenance – LIDAR systems have traditionally been very expensive, and can require maintenance to continually achieve the same performance. However, newer technological developments, miniturization, and ruggedization have led to smaller, cheaper, and more robust devices, requiring less maintenance.

How Can We Help?

With over 25 years experience providing LIDAR lasers to researchers and OEM integrators working in various markets and applications, and 1000s of units fielded, we have the experience to ensure you get the right product for the application. Working with RPMC ensures you are getting trusted advice from our knowledgeable and technical staff on a wide range of laser products.  RPMC and our manufacturers are willing and able to provide custom solutions for your unique application.

If you have any questions, or if you would like some assistance please Contact Us here. Furthermore, you can email us at [email protected] to talk to a knowledgeable Product Manager.

Alternatively, use the filters on this page to assist in narrowing down the selection of LIDAR lasers for sale. Finally, head to our Knowledge Center with our Lasers 101 page and Blogs, Whitepapers, and FAQ pages for further, in-depth reading.

Finally, check out our Limited Supply – In Stock – Buy Now page: This page contains an ever-changing assortment of various types of new lasers at marked-down/discount prices.