Time of Flight Lidar Employing Dual-Modulation Frequencies Switching for Optimizing Unambiguous Range Extension and High Resolution

Time of flight (ToF) light detection and ranging (Lidar) range finder is widely used in various applications, such as automotive driving, marine environment surveying, atmospheric observing, and physical distancing monitoring. The ToF Lidar offers a high-resolution range, which can be achieved by increasing the modulation frequency. However, when the modulation frequency is increased, the maximum unambiguous range tends to decrease. To overcome such a problem, we develop a novel ToF Lidar range finder based on dual-modulation frequencies switching, capable of providing an extended range while maintaining the high resolution. In the design, the modulation frequency is alternately changed between 2 and 10 MHz to modulate the intensity of the laser diode as a transmitter. We operate an avalanche photodetector as a receiver to obtain a reflection of modulated light from a target. By switching between dual-modulation frequencies, the photodetector detects two-phase shifts, which are calculated by our phase shift algorithm. It is shown that the proposed algorithm can solve the ambiguous range problem. As proof of the concept, we experimentally demonstrate a range measurement of a target up to 55-m distance, where the ambiguous range is experienced four times if only a single modulation frequency of 10 MHz is used. Interestingly, the range ambiguity no longer appears after applying the proposed design and algorithm.