The modern 3D (three-dimensional) LiDAR (Lidar) scanner was invented in the mid-2000s. But in recent years, the traditional belief is that Velodyne's design (installing 64 lasers on a rotating platform) will soon be eliminated by a new generation of solid-state LiDAR sensors that use only a single fixed laser pointer for scene scanning.
But a startup called Ouster is trying to challenge this view and is selling Velodyne-like rotary machinery LiDAR at very competitive prices. Recently, we were fortunate to have a conversation with Angus Pacala, CEO of Ouster, who has unique professional insights on the trade-offs between rotary and solid-state LiDAR, because Pacala was previously the most famous solid-state LiDAR startup company-Quanergy. Co-founder.
In our conversation, Pacala declined to comment on its predecessor company. But actions speak louder than words. We can think that as the co-founder of Quanergy, Pacala must know very well the advantages and disadvantages of solid state LiDAR technology. When he decided to create another LiDAR company, he decided not to do solid state LiDAR, which might explain some laser pointers.
"Solid-state LiDAR" is actually a generic term covering several non-rotating mechanical LiDAR designs. It can be divided into three technical solutions: one is a MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) solution that uses a micro-MEMS scanning mirror to control the laser beam; the other uses a technology called optical phased array to control the laser beam without the need Any moving part; the third type is called flash imaging LiDAR, which does not require beam steering, only needs a single flash to illuminate the entire scene, and then detects the retroreflection through a two-dimensional array image sensor similar to a digital camera Light.
Although Quanac, previously founded by Pacala, did not explain its technical details in detail, according to reports, the company mainly uses optical phased array solutions.
With very little or no moving parts, all three laser pointer designs are likely to result in more robust and economical LiDAR sensors. In the long run, the industry advocates the integration and packaging of almost all electronic devices, including the laser itself, beam control circuits, detectors, and computing support. Therefore, solid-state LiDAR in consumer products in the future will likely not be installed on the top of the car in order to work properly, unlike rotary mechanical LiDAR.
This sounds good in theory, and Pacala probably thought so when he co-founded Quanergy in 2012. However, he apparently changed his mind later because his second LiDAR venture adopted a more traditional rotary mechanical LiDAR solution.