Solid-State LiDAR Sensors for Robotics and 3D Sensing

LiDAR Sensor Overview

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an active optical sensing method that measures distance by emitting laser pulses and analyzing the reflected light. These LiDAR sensors provide precise 3D range data, enabling accurate mapping, obstacle detection, and surface profiling in industrial, automotive, and research environments.

On FindLight you will find LiDAR sensors and modules intended for integration into larger systems. Typical architectures include time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR, scanning LiDAR with rotating or oscillating optics, and solid-state designs, including flash LiDAR (which illuminates the whole scene at once and has no moving parts, and is often sold as a 3D ToF camera or ToF depth sensor), MEMS mirrors, and optical phased arrays. If you only need a distance reading to a single point, for example for level measurement, positioning, or presence detection, a laser distance sensor is usually simpler and more economical. LiDAR is the better choice when you need range data across a whole scene as a 2D or 3D point cloud.

Typical LiDAR Specifications

Key performance parameters for LiDAR sensors include:

• Wavelength: 905 nm and 1550 nm are common for long-range scanning LiDAR, while 940 nm VCSEL illumination is typical for short-range solid-state flash LiDAR because it is less affected by sunlight. Other near-IR bands are used for specialized applications and eye-safety constraints.
• Range and accuracy: Maximum ranges run from a few meters (flash LiDAR) to several hundred meters (scanning automotive LiDAR). Accuracy is quoted either in centimeters or as a percentage of distance (typically 1–3% for solid-state flash LiDAR), and it depends on target reflectivity and ambient light.
• Beam divergence and spot size: Defined by the transmitter optics, affecting spatial resolution and detection of small objects.
• Field of view and scan pattern: Determines coverage; LiDAR may offer 1D line scans, 2D raster scans, or full 3D point clouds.
• Repetition rate / scan rate: Pulse repetition frequencies from tens of kHz to MHz and frame rates from a few Hz to tens of Hz for dynamic scenes.
• Detector type: Silicon or InGaAs APDs and SPAD arrays are frequently used for high-sensitivity light detection in LiDAR receivers.

Use Cases and Buyer Guidance

Solid-state flash LiDAR sensors are widely used for obstacle detection and navigation in mobile robots, AGVs, and AMRs, as well as for people counting and occupancy sensing, package and pallet dimensioning, and collision avoidance on industrial equipment. Longer-range scanning LiDARs serve applications such as UAV mapping, autonomous vehicle perception, and surveying. When selecting a LiDAR, keep in mind that field of view and range trade off against each other: wide-FOV units cover more of the scene close to the sensor, while narrower-FOV units reach farther. Also check that the rated range holds at your targets' reflectivity and under your lighting conditions (outdoor sunlight reduces range for most sensors), and that the frame rate and angular resolution suit how fast objects move through the scene.

Engineers should also compare power consumption, environmental ratings (IP, shock, vibration), and synchronization options for multi-sensor setups. The sensors listed here offer Ethernet, USB-C and M12 connections, and each product page includes a downloadable datasheet. Use the Compare Products button to view up to four models side by side.