Hugo Delasnerie

Since its inception in 1961, scientists and engineers have regarded LiDAR (laser imaging, detection, and ranging) as a promising alternative to traditional sensory tools such as sonar, radar, or everyday cameras. A LiDAR sensor emits a multitude of laser beams at varying angles, and records the amount of time it takes the beams to reflect back at the emitter. This data can then be used to construct a full 3D model of whatever the LiDAR sensor is pointed at. However, LiDAR’s developmental history was difficult, typically attributed to the fact that effective use of the concept requires a large amount of space for hardware compared to other sensors. Voyant Photonics is a new but very promising research group located in New York City. Their goal is to develop and compartmentalize LiDAR technology in a way that drastically increases efficiency while simultaneously decreasing production and retail prices. Voyant engineers have developed multiple functional prototypes which have achieved these goals. This presentation investigated how Voyant’s LiDAR units compare in performance to other LiDAR sensors. This was done by comparing the performance statistics, size, and costs between different products. By constructing a photonic chip (a chip that manipulates and regulates light) that can interpret a large amount of laser feedback at once in an efficient and unprecedented way, they were able to eliminate the need for other larger and more expensive components. Their prototypes have a range of 100+ meters, with millimeter-scale range precision. Voyant’s system can operate in the most blinding of light and the darkest condition with no variation in accuracy or performance. It is very energy efficient, compact, and relatively easy to mass produce. A product such as the one Voyant is developing will revolutionize the way countless industries utilize sensors. From self-driving cars to geographic cave mapping, the applications of this technology are limitless.