Systems and methods for increasing the dynamic range of a LiDAR sensor

A method for increasing a dynamic range of a LiDAR sensor, the method comprising:

• receiving a target return laser beam and a reference laser beam;
• combining a first portion of the target return laser beam and the reference laser beam to create a combined beam;
• determining, from a second portion of the target return laser beam, if an amplitude of the target return laser beam satisfies a threshold;
• generating, in response to a determination that the amplitude of the target return laser beam satisfies the threshold, an electric current;
• reducing, in response to the electric current, an amplitude of the combined laser beam;
• and
• sending, in response to the electric current, a reduced amplitude combined laser beam to a first photodetector.

A system for increasing a dynamic range of a LiDAR sensor, the system comprising:

• a photodetector;
• a target return laser waveguide configured to receive a target return laser beam;
• a reference return laser waveguide configured to receive a reference laser beam;
• a combiner configured to combine a portion of the target return laser beam and the reference laser beam to create a combined laser beam;
• an amplifier configured to generate, when an amplitude of the target return laser beam, determined from a second portion of the target return laser beam, satisfies a threshold, an electric current;
• and
• an accumulation waveguide or a tunable coupler configured to:
• reduce, when the electric current is received from the amplifier, an amplitude of the combined laser beam and send a reduced amplitude combined laser beam to the photodetector;
• and
• send, when the electric current is not received from the amplifier, the combined laser beam to the photodetector.