Improved indirect time of flight (i-ToF) measurements for LiDAR with and without gain on the avalanche photodetector (APD)

Abstract

Switching modulation involving two or more frequencies exhibits outstanding performance for indirect time-of-flight (i-ToF) LiDAR to address a problem with resolution and ambiguity range. However, the accuracy and precision remain issues when a target is far from the system due to a poorly received signal. This work improves a LiDAR system by introducing adjustable gain on the avalanche photodetector (APD) to enhance the accuracy and precision. The system was experimentally characterized by measuring a target at 5, 25, and 45 meters with gain settings of maximum, middle, and no gain. The middle and maximum gain settings improved the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), accuracy, and precision. Furthermore, the proposed system may be appropriate for environmental remote-sensing systems, such as mapping and autonomous navigation.

Keywords:

• LiDAR
• indirect time-of-flight measurements (i-ToF)
• avalanche photodetector (APD)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Program Riset dan Inovasi untuk Indonesia Maju (RIIM) by LPDP-BRIN under contract number 12/II.7/HK/2023.