3D image sensor using a solid-state scanner based on a photonic integrated circuit

A study conducted by Daisuke Inoue et al. was published in the Optica.

Traditional imaging optics cannot focus light beams emitted from various points onto a single point with a lens. In this study, we proposed and demonstrated imaging optics comprising a lens and a chip equipped with two or more optical antennas. We demonstrated the superimposition of light on the same axis without using a beam splitter or an optical circulator. This new imaging optics can emit and receive light using a single pixel, illuminating a single point with an imaging optical system, and capture the reflected light utilizing the same cell. An all-solid-state LiDAR with a detection range of 204 m was demonstrated. We arranged two antennas, optical switches, and coherent detection circuits on a chip to fabricate an all-solid-state 3D imaging LiDAR. This was applied to produce a 3D image of a building located 45 m away. This innovative imaging optics has potential applications in optical coherent tomography, laser microphones, and ellipsometry across biological, medical, and architectural fields. As not only sensor but also a beam scanner and a combiner, this new imaging optics can revolutionize high-power laser processing and RGB projection systems.

Title: Solid-state Optical Scanning Device Using a Beam Combiner and Switch Array
Authors: Inoue, D., Ichikawa, T., Shimogaki, T., Matsubara, H., Kawasaki, A., Yamashita, T.
Journal Name: Optica
Published: October 12, 2023
https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.498402