Noise adaptive solid-state lidar system

Abstract

A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes an optical transmitter comprising a plurality of lasers, where each of the plurality of lasers illuminates a field-of-view. A transmitter controller is configured to pulse desired ones of the plurality of lasers so that the plurality of lasers generate light in a desired illumination region. An optical receiver comprises a plurality of detectors positioned to detect light over the desired illumination region. The plurality of detectors generates an electrical detection signal. A time-of-flight measurement circuit measures the time-of-flight of light from the plurality of lasers to the plurality of detectors. The optical receiver calculates range information from the time-of-flight measurements. A receiver controller is electrically connected to the transmitter controller and is configured to bias at least some of the plurality of detectors at a bias point that achieves a desired detection signal noise level.