This LiDAR is based on nanophotonics for a more compact, cost-effective device. Nanophotonics has several beneficial technologies, like a phase-change material based beam scanning technique. (Photo via POSTECH)
LiDAR technology, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that collects the depth information of an object by emitting a laser beam onto the object and measures the time of its return. These sensors are gaining more popularity for displays, such as autonomous vehicles, AI robots, and unmanned aerial vehicles. But these systems face several challenges, such as high costs, heat management, and power usage. As a solution, a research team from the Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) has developed a LiDAR device based on metamaterials based ultralight nanophotonics.
The team, led by Professor Junsuk Rho of the departments of mechanical engineering and chemical engineering, postdoctoral, published their findings in Nature Nanotechnology, where they discuss the development of their device.
Current high-end LiDAR devices are about as big as two adult fists stacked together. To address this, the team proposed an ultracompact LiDAR technology based on nanophotonics, making it roughly the size of a finger. Furthermore, the team explains how nanophotonic technology can improve LiDAR sensor systems by providing them with ultrafast and ultra-precise nanophotonic measurement methods.
They go on further to explain core nanophotonic technologies, like phase-change material-based beam scanning technique, a flash-type LiDAR that doesn't require beam scanning, and light-source device integration and scalable manufacturing methods.
The team believes their LiDAR device can be used for various applications, including drones, robots, CCTVs, augmented reality platforms, and autonomous cars. For now, the team will continue to research the technology to see how it can be improved and implemented
"Currently, the research team is conducting several follow-up studies to develop ultralight metasurface-based compound LiDAR systems," remarked Professor Junsuk Rho. "If this research is successful, we can look forward to manufacturing affordable ultrafast and ultra-precise LiDAR systems at an affordable cost."
With tech companies like Apple researching LiDAR technology for future devices and autonomous cars, the nanophotonic-based LiDAR device could make a big difference. It being smaller and more cost-effective means more companies will incorporate it in their own devices in the future.
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