NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a high-resolution 3D imaging LiDAR system using a resolution-enhanced pseudo-random code technique that improves the ranging resolution by an order of magnitude with the same transmitted optical power. This new approach uses a spread spectrum time-resolved method, which has been widely used in the field of radar and telecommunications and the technique is also known as random-modulation continuous-wave (RM-CW).

In such a spread spectrum time-resolved system, a low-power continuous wave (CW) laser diode modulated with a pseudo-random bit sequence replaces the pulsed laser as the light source. The fundamental idea is that range resolution in CW operation is preserved if the emitted signal is modulated such that its cross-correlation with a demodulating signal is a cyclically repeated delta-like function of time. This allows retrieval of laser returns from specific distances despite temporal overlap at the detector.

Further, multiple laser diodes can be used as transmitters and transmitter power can be scaled up by modulating many diode lasers simultaneously.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. For more information, contact the Goddard Strategic Partnerships Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 301-286-5810. Follow this link here  for more information.