Embodiments of the disclosure provide receivers for a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanner. The receiver includes a photodetector configured to receive a laser beam, and convert the received laser beam to an electrical signal including a plurality of pulses. The receiver also includes an amplifier configured to amplify the electrical signal. The receiver further includes a pulse equalizer configured to sharpen the plurality of pulses in the amplified electrical signal. Each pulse is sharpened to have a narrower width and an increased amplitude.