LiDAR systems are increasingly used in applications such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, industrial automation, and mapping. These systems rely on precise control of laser emission, propagation, and detection to measure distance and characterize environments with high accuracy. Optical performance, stray light suppression, and mechanical integration are critical to achieving reliable results, particularly in compact or safety-critical designs.
TracePro supports LiDAR system development by enabling non-sequential optical simulation of laser-based assemblies under realistic operating conditions.
Optical Challenges in LiDAR Architectures
LiDAR systems must manage both emitted and returned light paths while minimizing interference from unwanted reflections and ambient illumination. Internal reflections from optical windows, scanner housings, and detector mounts can introduce ghost signals that degrade ranging accuracy or create false detections.
Additional complexity arises from compact packaging, scanning mechanisms, protective covers, and wavelength-specific coatings. These factors can introduce stray light paths that are difficult to predict using sequential or component-level analysis.
Non-Sequential Modeling of Laser Propagation
TracePro uses non-sequential Monte Carlo ray tracing to model laser propagation without assuming a predefined optical path. This enables simulation of multiple reflections, scattering events, and absorption effects within full three-dimensional LiDAR assemblies.
TracePro can be used to evaluate how emitted laser light interacts with optical elements, mechanical structures, and enclosure surfaces, as well as how returned signals propagate to the detector. By modeling both intended and unintended paths, engineers can identify sources of optical noise and assess mitigation strategies early in development.
Evaluating Windows, Coatings, and Enclosures
Protective windows and coatings are essential in many LiDAR systems but can introduce optical losses or ghost reflections if not carefully designed. TracePro supports wavelength-dependent material and surface properties, allowing engineers to study how coatings, surface finishes, and material choices affect laser transmission and backscatter.
Detailed CAD geometry from mechanical design environments can be imported directly, enabling optical analysis that reflects the true sensor enclosure rather than an idealized model. This supports informed tradeoffs between optical performance, environmental protection, and manufacturability.
Supporting Performance Validation and Safety Considerations
As LiDAR designs mature, TracePro is used to validate system performance under realistic assumptions. Engineers can assess stray light sensitivity, quantify optical losses, and evaluate how mechanical tolerances influence signal quality.
For systems operating at higher laser powers or in regulated environments, understanding unintended reflections and beam behavior is also important for safety assessments. System-level simulation helps reduce risk by identifying problematic optical interactions before hardware is built.
Integration with Optical and Mechanical Workflows
LiDAR optics may be designed using tools such as OSLO and then integrated into mechanically complex assemblies developed in CAD environments such as SOLIDWORKS. TracePro supports this workflow by combining optical definitions with detailed mechanical geometry for full system analysis.
This coordinated approach helps ensure that optical performance targets remain achievable as designs evolve from concept through production.
Request a Free Trial
You can request a free trial to explore how TracePro supports optical analysis and validation for LiDAR and other laser-based sensing systems.