A perspective on single-photon LiDAR systems

This perspective discusses the challenges and opportunities of single-photon LiDAR and Raman LiDAR systems. Typical uses of LiDAR and Raman LiDAR include autonomous vehicles, mapping and surveying, environmental monitoring, archeology, and cultural heritage, meteorology and weather forecasting, defense and security, natural resource management, and infrastructure inspection. Key directions of development include sensitivity and range, spatial resolution, speed and efficiency, integration with other sensors, miniaturization and portability, and cost reduction. With a market value of 1.5 billion US$ in 2021, LiDAR systems are projected to grow to 4.83 billion US$ by 2030, at a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period.