512-element linear InGaAs APD array sensor for scanned time-of-flight lidar at 1550 nm

A 512-element lidar sensor equipped with a 30-micron-pitch linear-mode InGaAs APD array was developed for scanned time-of-flight lidar at 1550 nm. In a demonstration, the sensor was scanned in azimuth, using an optical system resulting in 0.067-degree angular resolution over 34.2 degrees of elevation; the scan rate was chosen to result in similar resolution over 120 degrees of azimuth. The sensor supports frame rates greater than 30 Hz at this image resolution. The sensor collects pulse return intensity data in addition to time-of-flight data, resulting in reflected intensity images analogous to conventional imagery in addition to "point cloud" range images.