The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, systems and methods that enable lidar devices capable of detecting and processing multiple optical modes present in a beam reflected from a target object. Different received optical modes can be spatially separated and electronic signals can be generated that are representative of a coherence information contained in various optical modes. Multiple generated electronic signals can be amplified, phase-shifted, mixed, etc., to identify signals, individually or in a combination, that can be used for identification of a range and velocity of the target object with the highest accuracy.

A sensing system provided in a vehicle capable of running in an autonomous driving mode, includes: a LiDAR unit configured to acquire point group data indicating surrounding environment of the vehicle; and a LiDAR control module configured to identify information associated with a target object existing around the vehicle, based on the point group data acquired from the LiDAR unit. The LiDAR control module is configured to control the LiDAR unit so as to increase a scanning resolution of the LiDAR unit in a first angular area in a detection area of the LiDAR unit, wherein the first angular area is an area where the target object exists.

A sensing system provided in a vehicle capable of running in an autonomous driving mode, includes: a LiDAR unit configured to acquire point group data indicating surrounding environment of the vehicle; and a LiDAR control module configured to identify information associated with a target object existing around the vehicle, based on the point group data acquired from the LiDAR unit. The LiDAR control module is configured to control the LiDAR unit so as to increase a scanning resolution of the LiDAR unit in a first angular area in a detection area of the LiDAR unit, wherein the first angular area is an area where the target object exists.

Methods for use in a spatial profiling system for detecting targets in an environment are described. The methods include detecting first incoming reflected light from an environment and second incoming light from the environment, the second incoming light including reflected noise light from the spatial profiling system. The spatial profile estimation is based on the detected first incoming light and the detected second incoming light. Embodiments of a spatial profiling system configured to operate in accordance with the methods are also described.

Methods for use in a spatial profiling system for detecting targets in an environment are described. The methods include detecting first incoming reflected light from an environment and second incoming light from the environment, the second incoming light including reflected noise light from the spatial profiling system. The spatial profile estimation is based on the detected first incoming light and the detected second incoming light. Embodiments of a spatial profiling system configured to operate in accordance with the methods are also described.

A method for scanning a transmitted beam through a 360° FOV in a LIDAR system using no moving parts. The method includes directing a laser beam at a first frequency to an SPPR device and directing the laser beam from the SPPR device onto a conical mirror to direct the laser beam at a certain angle therefrom depending on the first frequency of the laser beam. The method further includes shifting the optical frequency of the laser beam to a second frequency to change the angle that the transmitted beam is directed from the conical mirror and intensity modulating the laser beam at the second frequency using a first intensity modulation frequency for a predetermined period of time. The method further includes receiving a reflected beam from the target and estimating a round trip time of the transmitted beam and the reflected beam using the modulation of the laser beam.

Techniques described herein provide memory redundancy. For example, the memory block for each pixel can be partitioned into multiple memory bins, and the number of memory bins can be larger than the number of time bins. Once a faulty memory cell is identified, an address associated with the memory bin that has the faulty memory cell can be skipped by an address generator. As such, the faulty memory cell is not used to store time-of-fight (ToF) information.

Techniques described herein provide memory redundancy. For example, the memory block for each pixel can be partitioned into multiple memory bins, and the number of memory bins can be larger than the number of time bins. Once a faulty memory cell is identified, an address associated with the memory bin that has the faulty memory cell can be skipped by an address generator. As such, the faulty memory cell is not used to store time-of-fight (ToF) information.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an optical sensing system, and an optical sensing method for the optical sensing system. The optical sensing system includes an integrated optical source and a receiver coupled to the integrated optical source. The integrated optical source includes a laser diode configured to emit optical signals, and a first diffraction grating unit configured to simultaneously tune wavelengths and directions of the emitted optical signals. The optical signals of different wavelengths are directed along different directions towards an environment surrounding the optical sensing system. The receiver is configured to receive at least a portion of the optical signals returned from the environment. The receiver includes a second diffracting grating unit configured to direct the received portion of optical signals with the different wavelengths along different directions towards a sensor array. The sensor array is configured to receive the optical signals of the different wavelengths at different positions of the sensor array.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an optical sensing system, and an optical sensing method for the optical sensing system. The optical sensing system includes an integrated optical source and a receiver coupled to the integrated optical source. The integrated optical source includes a laser diode configured to emit optical signals, and a first diffraction grating unit configured to simultaneously tune wavelengths and directions of the emitted optical signals. The optical signals of different wavelengths are directed along different directions towards an environment surrounding the optical sensing system. The receiver is configured to receive at least a portion of the optical signals returned from the environment. The receiver includes a second diffracting grating unit configured to direct the received portion of optical signals with the different wavelengths along different directions towards a sensor array. The sensor array is configured to receive the optical signals of the different wavelengths at different positions of the sensor array.