Design and Realization of Wide Field-of-View 3D MEMS LiDAR

Abstract

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors are promising for automated transportation to detect the surrounding environment. However, most LiDAR solutions are complex and bulky. By designing a MEMS-mirror-based LiDAR, we can improve the volume constraints, but MEMS mirrors could limit scanning angles. In this work, we simulated and demonstrated a MEMS LiDAR system to solve the current obstacles. Combining a MEMS mirror and a wide-angle lens into the system, small-volume and large field-of-view (FOV) LiDAR systems can be realized. We use ray tracing optical simulation software to design a pair of aspherical lenses to expand the scanning angle. After the laser beam passes through the wide-angle lens, the FOV can be increased to 104 degrees. The distortion of the wide-angle lens is controlled below 3%, making the scanned image precise to the actual situation. In order to experimentally demonstrate the small-volume MEMS scanning LiDAR, a modular laser rangefinder is used with a MEMS mirror. The entire system of the LiDAR scanner is around 15 cm $\times5$ cm $\times2.5$ cm. In the natural light environment for wide-angle LiDAR measurement, the maximum error is less than 2%. Finally, an image processing program is written to convert the scanned data into a 3D point cloud image, and the generated image proves the complete function of the proposed LiDAR.