Optical Phased Array Ladar

Imaging technologies have been at the forefront of many industrial and scientific applications, from medical diagnostics to automation in manufacturing, security monitoring, and navigation systems. As these applications have become more complex, there is an enhanced need for accurate and precise imaging systems. Existing imaging approaches, particularly those involved in distance estimation, often rely on conventional methods such as stereo triangulation, radar, or lidar systems. While these are effective to some extent, they often struggle with accuracy and reliability issues especially in complex scenes. They also fail to deliver high-resolution imaging in real time, a feature that's highly sought in dynamic environments. Therefore, there is a need for a new approach to bolster accuracy and enhance real-time functionality.

Technology Description

This innovative technology is a process for imaging scenes by using continuous wave (CW) light beams. It creates a temporally varying optical intensity pattern that illuminates parts of the scene. When a photon scatters or reflects off these parts, it is detected with a single-photon detector. The unique crux of the technology is estimating the distance between the photon detector and the scene's portion on the basis of the optical intensity pattern and the photon's time of flight. This technology stands out because it utilizes the unique properties of light, combining CW light beams with unique optical intensity patterns. It offers a novel way of estimating distances by creating a bridge between the photon detector and the object. The blend of these aspects endows the technology with great potential in multiple domains that require a precise understanding of the surroundings.