High-resolution single-photon imaging based on fast AOM supplementary scanning

Scanning time-of-flight light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is the predominant technique for autonomous driving. Mainstream mechanical scanning is reliable but limited in speed and usually has blind areas. This work proposes a scanning method that uses an acousto-optic modulator to add high-frequency scanning on the slow axis of traditional automotive LiDAR linear scanning. It eliminated blind areas and enhanced the angular resolution to the size of the laser divergence angle. In experiments, this method increased the recognition probability of small targets at approximately 40 m from 70% to over 90%, providing an effective solution for future high-level autonomous driving.