High-speed signal sampling technique in lidar application

Common lidar systems sets the standard using only one sample data from the laser echo signal, while information from signal waveform is ignored, constraining further enhancement of range resolution and accuracy. By employing high-speed signal sampling technique, we make full use of the echo signal, and achieved large improvement on range resolution and accuracy. Moreover, the digital signal processing algorithm can be adopted for different targets, which provides better versatility of the lidar system. This paper reviewed high speed signal sampling technique and its application in lidar system. The HT high-speed DAQ developed in our group was used in both FMCW lidar and pulse laser radar. Over fourfold increase in range accuracy, comparing to that of traditional method, is demonstrated.