A review of laser pulse echo emulation: Evolution and challenges from theoretical modeling to hardware⁃in⁃the⁃loop emulating (Invited)

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-5461.2026.02.001

Abstract

Abstract: Laser pulse echo emulation is a key technology for the validation of lidar system and environment modeling, which is widely used in the fields of autonomous driving and remote sensing. The technical evolution of laser echo emulation, from theoretical models to hardware-in-the-loop systems, is comprehensively reviewed in this work. In terms of theoretical modeling, the multipath propagation and waveform distortion mechanisms caused by Rayleigh and Mie scattering in non-ideal media are analyzed, and the advantages of Monte Carlo method and neural radiation field method in modeling accuracy and emulation continuity are introduced. In terms of hardware-in-the-loop emulating, time delay emulation is mainly focused, the system characteristics of fiber-optic delay lines and high-speed electronic modulation methods are compared, and the emulation performance and hardware adaptability of multiple modulation mechanisms are further summarized. Finally, the current challenges of timing control, energy nonlinearity and system integration are summarized, and the development direction of data-driven modeling and optoelectronic fusion is envisioned.

Key words: laser echo, multipath propagation, scattering modeling, delay emulation, modulation mechanism, hardware-in-the-loop emulation

CLC Number:

TN24

XU Wei , WEN Xinyi , TIAN Lei , GUO Cuijuan , XU Degang , YAO Jianquan . A review of laser pulse echo emulation: Evolution and challenges from theoretical modeling to hardware⁃in⁃the⁃loop emulating (Invited)[J]. Chinese Journal of Quantum Electronics, 2026, 43(2): 163-177.

References

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