Patent attributes
In accordance with some embodiments, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system includes a light source. The light source is configured to transmit a pulse of light. The LiDAR scanning system also includes a beam steering apparatus configured to steer the pulse of light in at least one of vertically and horizontally along an optical path. The beam steering apparatus is further configured to concurrently collect scattered light generated based on the light pulse illuminating an object in the optical path. The scattered light is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical path. The LiDAR scanning system further includes a light converging apparatus configured to direct the collected scattered light to a focal point. The LiDAR scanning system further includes a light detector, which is situated substantially at the focal point. In some embodiments, the light detector can include an array of detectors or detector elements.