Coherent solid-state LIDAR with silicon photonic optical phased arrays

Abstract

We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of coherent solid-state light detection and ranging (LIDAR) using optical phased arrays in a silicon photonics platform. An integrated transmitting and receiving frequency-modulated continuous-wave circuit was initially developed and tested to confirm on-chip ranging. Simultaneous distance and velocity measurements were performed using triangular frequency modulation. Transmitting and receiving optical phased arrays were added to the system for on-chip beam collimation, and solid-state beam steering and ranging measurements using this system are shown. A cascaded optical phase shifter architecture with multiple groups was used to simplify system control and allow for a compact packaged device. This system was fabricated within a 300 mm wafer CMOS-compatible platform and paves the way for disruptive low-cost and compact LIDAR on-chip technology.