Integrated LiDAR system for autonomous vehicles

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LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), is a surveying method that measures distance to a target by illuminatingthe target with pulsed laser light and detects the reflected pulses with a sensor. If costs can be lowered andfunctionality improved, the market for LiDAR in automobiles and unmanned vehicle is expected to surpassUSD$2.5 Billion by 2030. An approach to this challenge is to create "fast agile" LiDAR platforms based onphotonic integrated circuits, integrated with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Such systems couldsupport modules that would "attend to" objects of importance in the field of view allowing for high-resolutionidentification of critical items. LiDAR will not be simply a passive information gathering element but anactively controlled part of an integrated sensing aware AI platform.This grant has two overarching goals. Firstly, it proposes to generate a viable PIC prototype for theimplementation of a "fast agile" LiDAR with the necessary functionality to enable an "attention module" withinan AI infrastructure. Secondly, this project proposes to develop a sophisticated simulation platform for PICbased LiDAR. The proposed research will form a foundation for the complete system level design of theLiDAR PIC.The first goal will improve the functionality of the LiDAR by employing depletion-based phase shifter arraysand subwavelength grating couplers to improve beam steering range, resolution and scanning speed. Thesecond goal will be complimentary to the first by providing analysis and optimization capabilities. This workwill address the multi-physics and multi-scale issues present in LIDAR design and optimization, dealing withsystems by incorporating electrical, optical, semi-conductor and thermal devices and effects. The impact of thephysical layer on system design and constraints will also be addressed. The simulation work will build on theexisting simulation frameworks of OptiSPICE and Atar. Experimental verification of the modeling usingprototype devices are anticipated. Two prototype generations are expected by the end of the CRD program.