Patent ID: 7936448

Claim:
An integrated LIDAR system formed within a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure, the integrated LIDAR system comprising a LIDAR transmitter disposed on the SOI structure and comprising a laser source, a focusing lens coupled to the output of the laser source, an optical modulator disposed to receive the focused output from the focusing lens and a collimating lens disposed at the output of the optical modulator for out-coupling the optical signal from the SOI structure and directing the optical signal to an intended target, the LIDAR transmitter further comprising optical waveguides formed within a surface silicon layer of the SOI structure to provide coupling between the laser source, focusing lens, optical modulator and collimating lens; and a LIDAR receiver disposed on the SOI structure and comprising a focusing lens for receiving a reflected signal from the intended target, a photodetector disposed to intercept the focused optical signal captured by the focusing lens and generate an electrical output signal, and a signal processing arrangement for analyzing the generated electrical output signal and determining information about the intended target.