Light Detection and Ranging | Application

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a technology that measures the distance to an object by scanning a laser over the object and detecting the reflected light with an optical sensor. It has been applied in a wide range of fields, such as geological surveys and surveying, in many cases complementing or replacing radar (Radio Detecting and Ranging).

In recent years, it has also been applied to autonomous driving technology. There are two types of 3D LiDAR for automotive use: solid-state and MEMS.

The solid-state method replaces the motor-based mechanism with semiconductors and optical technology. In conventional 3D-LiDAR, the laser and detector are mechanically rotated. However, the solid-state method does not use a rotation mechanism. Although their field of view is typically narrower, solid-state LiDARs offer significant advantages in terms of their compact size, durability, and ease of installation in confined spaces. Using multiple sensors can cover 360° in the horizontal direction and has become mainstream for automotive applications.

In the MEMS method, a MEMS mirror scans the laser beam. The MEMS mirror is rotated using a coil and magnet, and the laser beam is scanned by reflection from the mirror.

Matsusada Precision provides high-voltage power supplies for avalanche photodiodes (APD) and Photomultiplier tubes (PMT) used as a photodetector for LiDAR. Furthermore, Matsusada Precision offers DC power supplies for applications such as laser diode testing and development. Matsusada Precision's piezo actuators are available for mirror positioning and laser scanning.