Patent attributes
In some implementations, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes a laser source configured to provide an optical signal at a first signal power, an amplifier having a plurality of gain levels, at which the amplifier is configured to amplify the optical signal, and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to, based on the first signal power and a duty cycle of the optical signal, vary a gain level of the amplifier from the plurality of gain levels to generate a pulse signal, transmit the pulse signal from the amplifier to an environment, receive a reflected signal that is reflected from an object, responsive to transmitting the pulse signal, and determine a range to the object based on an electrical signal associated with the reflected signal.