LiDAR, an abbreviation for Light Detection and Ranging, is one type of optical sensor technology. The distance and angle to a remote measurement target and its nature can be analyzed by scanning laser light on the target and measuring the scattered light and reflected light. LiDAR systems have already been installed in aircraft and satellites and used as a ranging technology for research in geology and seismology. LiDAR has also attracted attention recently as a technology for use in self-driving automobiles.
In automated driving, LiDAR takes the place of a human driver and must operate the vehicle appropriately by detecting traffic signals, the road width, oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and other conditions. LiDAR is extremely important as a technology for sensing objects that may become obstructions during driving, and thus is a key technology for realizing automated driving.
Because the laser light scanned from the LiDAR device is transmitted through a sensor cover such as the auto emblem and irradiated on remote measurement objects, it is necessary to understand the optical properties of the materials to be used, such as the transmittance of the sensor cover for the laser in the LiDAR. The LiDAR viewing angle is also one important performance feature. For example, when a LiDAR device is mounted on the front of a vehicle, the widest possible viewing angle is necessary to cover a wide area in front of the car.
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