MIT’s new lidar chip could give self-driving cars a wider view

Summary

MIT researchers have developed a new silicon-photonic lidar chip that reduces cross-talk by placing differently shaped antennas in close proximity, thereby providing a wider field of view without the need for moving parts.

Why it matters

This breakthrough enables the development of smaller, more durable, and lower-cost lidar sensors for systems such as autonomous vehicles and drones. A wide field of view will help these platforms perceive their surroundings more comprehensively and make safer decisions.

Highlights

• Cross-talk was reduced from 100% to 1% thanks to three different antenna shapes.
• A wide field of view is achieved while maintaining low-noise operation.
• Integrated optical phased arrays (OPA) without moving parts make smaller and more robust lidar systems possible.

Critical take

The chip has only been tested in laboratory settings; issues such as scaling to real-world conditions, manufacturing costs, and long-term durability have yet to be fully addressed.