Note: Temperature compensation of time-of-flight light detection and ranging (LiDAR) using feedback control of signal-to-noise ratio of photodetector

Abstract

Time-of-flight-based two-dimensional and three-dimensional light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications have recently been implemented in several industries because of their high-precision measuring capabilities over long distances in outdoor environments. Avalanche photodetectors (APDs) are commonly used for LiDARs because of their high internal gain that significantly amplifies a measured signal. However, the magnitude of the measured signal changes significantly with temperature variations, owing to the temperature dependent characteristics of the APD. In this study, a temperature compensation method, in which a bias voltage of the APD is adjusted for temperature changes using signal-to-noise ratio feedback control, is proposed to solve the problem. This method has the advantage of a simple hardware configuration, without using a conventionally considered cooler. Published by AIP Publishing.