Technologies described herein include a programmable power module for a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some aspects, the programmable power module includes circuitry that supplies a bias voltage to a photodetector array, and a programmable interface comprising a serial interface and multiple configurable ports. Each one of the multiple configurable ports is configured as one of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) output port, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) input port, a digital output port, or a digital input port. The serial interface can be configured to receive program code defining a control voltage that causes the circuitry to set the bias voltage. A first configurable port of the multiple configurable ports can be connected to the circuitry and can be configured as a first DAC output port that outputs the control voltage to the circuitry.

Technologies described herein include a programmable power module for a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some aspects, the programmable power module includes circuitry that supplies a bias voltage to a photodetector array, and a programmable interface comprising a serial interface and multiple configurable ports. Each one of the multiple configurable ports is configured as one of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) output port, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) input port, a digital output port, or a digital input port. The serial interface can be configured to receive program code defining a control voltage that causes the circuitry to set the bias voltage. A first configurable port of the multiple configurable ports can be connected to the circuitry and can be configured as a first DAC output port that outputs the control voltage to the circuitry.

Techniques for controlling photodetector systems are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system for controlling a photodetector. The system may comprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to: receive a target value; receive an output from the photodetector; generate, based at least on the target value, a bias signal; and apply the bias signal to the photodetector to drive a parameter of the photodetector to the target value.

Techniques for controlling photodetector systems are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system for controlling a photodetector. The system may comprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to: receive a target value; receive an output from the photodetector; generate, based at least on the target value, a bias signal; and apply the bias signal to the photodetector to drive a parameter of the photodetector to the target value.

Provided is a non-mechanical-scanning-type optical radar apparatus that is capable of long distance measurement and its cost is reduced. The optical radar apparatus includes: a light emitting section; and a light receiving system, the light receiving system at least including a focusing optical element and a distance sensor that includes a light receiver, the target field of view being projected on the light receiver through the focusing optical element, the distance sensor being configured to set an activation region in a part of the light receiver depending on the scanning with the light and measure a distance to the object with use of a signal from the activation region.

Provided is a non-mechanical-scanning-type optical radar apparatus that is capable of long distance measurement and its cost is reduced. The optical radar apparatus includes: a light emitting section; and a light receiving system, the light receiving system at least including a focusing optical element and a distance sensor that includes a light receiver, the target field of view being projected on the light receiver through the focusing optical element, the distance sensor being configured to set an activation region in a part of the light receiver depending on the scanning with the light and measure a distance to the object with use of a signal from the activation region.

A photodetector includes a plurality of cells each configured to detect light and including: a light receiving element configured to output an electrical signal upon receipt of the light, a resistor connected to the light receiving element, and first and second switches connected to the resister. Either the first switch or the second switch is turned on according to a selection signal. The photodetector further includes a first output terminal connected to the first switch of each of the cells and through which a first output signal is output based on the electrical signal that has been output from the first switch, and a second output terminal connected to the second switch of each of the cells and through which a second output signal is output based on the electrical signal that has been output from the second switch.

A photodetector includes a plurality of cells each configured to detect light and including: a light receiving element configured to output an electrical signal upon receipt of the light, a resistor connected to the light receiving element, and first and second switches connected to the resister. Either the first switch or the second switch is turned on according to a selection signal. The photodetector further includes a first output terminal connected to the first switch of each of the cells and through which a first output signal is output based on the electrical signal that has been output from the first switch, and a second output terminal connected to the second switch of each of the cells and through which a second output signal is output based on the electrical signal that has been output from the second switch.

One example system includes a lens disposed relative to a scene and configured to focus light from the scene. The system also includes an opaque material. The opaque material defines a plurality of apertures including a primary aperture and one or more secondary apertures. The system also includes one or more light detectors (e.g., a single element detector or an array of detectors) configured to intercept and detect diverging light focused by the lens and transmitted through at least one of the plurality of apertures defined by the opaque material.

A photo-detecting apparatus is provided. The photo-detecting apparatus includes: a substrate made by a first material or a first material-composite; an absorption layer made by a second material or a second material-composite, the absorption layer being supported by the substrate and the absorption layer including: a first surface; a second surface arranged between the first surface and the substrate; and a channel region having a dopant profile with a peak dopant concentration equal to or more than 1×10.sup.15 cm.sup.−3, wherein a distance between the first surface and a location of the channel region having the peak dopant concentration is less than a distance between the second surface and the location of the channel region having the peak dopant concentration, and wherein the distance between the first surface and the location of the channel region having the peak dopant concentration is not less than 30 nm.