Abstract

We present recent results towards the development of an integrated photonic LIDAR system. Through the use of nanophotonic phased arrays, silicon photonics enables high-speed (>100kHz) beam-steering to be performed without moving parts in the same manner as electronically steerable microwave phased arrays. Already, we have demonstrated the ability to beam-steer over a 51-degree angular range and have separately demonstrated the ability to implement the required LIDAR optical signal processing on-chip and perform basic ranging measurements. Increasingly it is becoming apparent that chip-based LIDAR will become a reality, facilitating high-resolution 3D imaging for applications such as autonomous vehicles.

© 2015 Optical Society of America