Review of non-scanning laser 3D imaging radars: basic principles, latest developments, and future directions

摘要

Laser imaging radar is the combination of four technologies, laser, radar, optical scanning control, and high-speedcomputer processing. It is extensively used in both military and civilian applications. Non-scanning imaging radar, whichworks without a scanning device, is characterized by high frame rate, wide field of view, and high reliability and hasbecome the focus of research in recent years. The objective of this study is to firstly, elaborate the structure of non-scanningimaging laser radar and basic principle of plane array ranging. Next, it focuses on the latest developments in thenon-scanning laser 3D imaging radar systems. Thereafter, it categorizes and summarizes various non-scanning laser 3Dimaging radar systems, such as flash, polarization modulation, and gain modulation. From the comprehensive coverage ofthese systems presented in this study, it can be inferred that the laser 3D imaging has the advantages of high resolution,high energy utilization, and high signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, a discussion of their disadvantages is presented. Finally,this study concludes with some challenges and possible future research directions in this field.