LiDAR, or light detection and ranging, is a crucial technology for self-driving cars, robotics, and other applications that require precise depth sensing. However, conventional LiDAR systems face challenges like bulky designs and limited range. Researchers introduce a promising new approach: antireflective vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (Antireflective VCSELs).
The Problem with Conventional VCSELs: Traditional LiDAR systems often rely on extended cavity VCSELs (EC-VCSELs). These lasers achieve high power using a long cavity to contain and amplify light. However, long cavities also lead to bulky designs and higher divergence angles, which limit the effective range of LiDAR systems.
AR-VCSELs offer a solution by incorporating an antireflective light reservoir into the cavity. This reservoir reduces the reflection of light at the cavity boundaries, allowing for a shorter cavity length without sacrificing power. Shorter cavities translate to more compact designs and improved beam divergence, making AR-VCSELs ideal for LiDAR applications.
The researchers demonstrate the potential of Antireflective VCSELs through a 6-junction AR-VCSEL array. Compared to a conventional EC-VCSEL counterpart, the AR-VCSEL array exhibited:
A 50% reduction in divergence angle leads to sharper beams and a longer LiDAR range. Three times higher brightness enables LiDAR systems to operate effectively in challenging lighting conditions. The authors envision that the antireflective cavity concept could extend beyond LiDAR. They suggest potential applications in areas like bioimaging and optical communications.
Antireflective VCSELs represent a significant advancement for LiDAR technology, offering a compact, high-performance solution for long-range depth sensing. With their potential for broader applications, AR-VCSELs are a technology to watch in optics and photonics.
Related Content: Lidar Tech Improvement For Space Exploration