Coherent signal combining with multiple-outputs for quasi-cw lidar operation

A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system comprising:

• a signal processing system comprising:
• a phase shifter configured to:
• receive a plurality of optical signals, and
• generate a plurality of phase-shifted optical signals that are respectively associated with a plurality of phases;
• an amplifier configured to:
• receive the plurality of phase-shifted optical signals, and
• generate a plurality of amplified optical signals using the plurality of phase-shifted optical signals;
• and
• a splitter that is coupled to the amplifier, wherein
• the splitter is configured to:
• receive the plurality of amplified optical signals, and
• combine the plurality of amplified optical signal according to the plurality of phases to generate an optical signal across a plurality of outputs,
• the splitter comprises a first beam splitter and a second beam splitter, and
• an output of the first beam splitter is coupled to an input of the second beam splitter.

An autonomous vehicle control system comprising:

• a signal processing system for light detection and ranging (LIDAR) operation comprising:
• a phase shifter configured to:
• receive a plurality of optical signals, and
• generate a plurality of phase-shifted optical signals that are respectively associated with a plurality of phases;
• an amplifier configured to:
• receive the plurality of phase-shifted optical signals, and
• generate a plurality of amplified optical signals using the plurality of phase-shifted optical signals;
• a splitter that is coupled to the amplifier, wherein
• the splitter is configured to:
• receive the plurality of amplified optical signals, and
• combine the plurality of amplified optical signals according to the plurality of phases to generate an optical signal across a plurality of outputs,
• the splitter comprises a first beam splitter and a second beam splitter, and
• an output of the first beam splitter is coupled to an input of the second beam splitter;
• and
• one or more processors configured to control operation of an autonomous vehicle using the optical signal.