Multi-wavelength laser scanning architecture for object discrimination

A novel method for identifying and discriminating various objects using five different lasers is described. This method uses a laser combination module that allows five laser diodes of different wavelengths to sequentially emit identically polarized light beams through a common aperture, along one optical path. Each laser beam enters a custom-made curved optical cavity for multi-beam spot generation through internal partial beam reflection. The intensity of the reflected light beams from each spot is detected by a high-speed area scan image sensor. Object discrimination based on analyzing the Gaussian profile of reflected laser light at distinguishing wavelengths is demonstrated.