US Patent 7894044 Laser for coherent LIDAR

A method for achieving optimum coaxial lidar configuration using optical fibers. Optical fibers are used with mirrors or lenses to create light paths that can achieve an optimum lidar configuration while employing fewer components than that of prior art for a more simplified, lightweight, and less expensive system to produce. The lidar components, including the laser source and the light detector unit, may be placed in a separate housing. A separate housing eliminates unnecessary weight in the optical telescope assembly, makes scanning of the system easier, and enables a better omni-directional cloud height indicator.