Lidar distance measuring device

Abstract

LIDAR distance measuring device (10), comprising: a laser (12) for generating a laser beam, a frequency comb generator (14) configured to generate at least one optical frequency comb signal (37) based on the laser beam, a signal splitting unit (16) which is configured to split the optical frequency comb signal (37) into different optical signal channels (34), each of which is assigned a respective wavelength range, a channel matching unit (18) which is configured to change at least two optical signal channels (34) in their relative position to each other, a transmitting unit (20) which is configured to send light associated with the modified optical signal channels (36) as transmitting light (22) into a measuring area (24), a receiving unit (26) for receiving transmitted light reflected from objects (28) in the measuring range (24) as received light (30), and a signal processing unit (32) which is configured to determine a distance to the object (28) based on the received light (30) and in particular at least a part of the transmitted light (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lidar distance measuring device.

[0002] Lidar distance measurement devices are increasingly in demand to enable precise and rapid measurements over long distances. In many applications, such as 3D environmental sensing or autonomous vehicle navigation, it is crucial that lidar sensors deliver a high number of measurement points in a very short time. However, a single beam deflected to scan the environment is limited in its performance, as the maximum measurement distance and the time of flight of light restrict the data rate. One solution is to use multiple beams or receivers, known as channels, simultaneously to overcome this limitation and increase the measurement rate. However, an increased number of signal channels also leads to new challenges, particularly crosstalk between channels. Crosstalk impairs measurement accuracy and can result in false signals, known as ghost echoes.

[0003] To reduce crosstalk, temporal, spatial, or spectral separation techniques are used. While temporal separation techniques reduce the measurement rate, spatial separation techniques limit the measurement resolution due to the necessary distances. Spectral separation techniques, on the other hand, require multiple expensive and complex laser sources with stabilized wavelengths. Therefore, disadvantages remain that impair the performance of modern lidar systems.

[0004] One objective of the invention can therefore be seen as providing an improved lidar distance measuring device.

[0005] This problem is solved by a lidar distance measuring device according to claim 1.

[0006] The invention relates to a lidar distance measuring device comprising: a laser to generate a laser beam, a frequency comb generator designed to generate at least one optical frequency comb signal based on the laser beam, a signal splitting unit designed to split the optical frequency comb signal into different optical signal channels, each assigned a specific wavelength range, a channel matching unit designed to change the relative position of at least two optical signal channels to each other, a transmitting unit designed to send light corresponding to the modified optical signal channels as transmitted light into a measuring area, a receiving unit for receiving objects in the measuring range, using reflected transmitted light as received light, and a signal processing unit which is designed to determine a distance to the object based on the received light and, in particular, at least a part of the transmitted light.

[0007] The invention is based on the idea that adjacent optical signal channels typically have a small wavelength separation between their respective wavelengths or wavelength ranges. This leads to an increased probability of crosstalk or signal interference. The idea of ​​the invention is that rearranging the individual optical signal channels can increase the wavelength separation between the respective wavelength ranges and thus minimize crosstalk.

[0008] In other words, the arrangement of the optical signal channels is changed. Specifically, the position or arrangement of all optical signal channels, or the relative position of two adjacent optical signal channels, can be changed for all optical signal channels.

[0009] An optical signal channel is, for example, a physical or virtual transmission path that guides light beams, such as laser beams, of one or more specified wavelengths or wavelength ranges to transmit information. The optical signal channel may include a medium that facilitates light propagation, such as optical fibers, waveguides, and / or free space paths, as well as optionally components for filtering, modulating, and / or amplifying the light. As used herein, an optical signal channel can also describe the light guided through the optical signal channel.

[0010] Advantageously, the described method requires only one laser source. The laser generates the laser beam, which is fed to the frequency comb generator, for example, via an optical fiber. The frequency comb generator produces an optical frequency comb signal that can comprise a multitude of superimposed frequency signals, each with different wavelengths. In the time domain, the superposition of the different frequency signals can result in a short light pulse, while in the frequency domain, the frequency signals can be represented as discrete and uniformly distributed. The wavelength intervals between the individual frequency signals, or between adjacent frequency signals, are preferably large enough to allow optical separation at the receiver and / or sufficient attenuation of adjacent signals or signal channels.

[0011] The frequency comb generator, for example, is a microresonator, which is typically only a few micrometers in size and capable of generating a frequency comb signal where the individual frequency signals have a wavelength separation of less than 5 nm, 3 nm, or 1 nm. In principle, the laser and the frequency comb generator can also be combined into a single component, in the form of a mode-locked laser. The microresonator can be designed as a ring resonator consisting of an optical chip, for example, made of silicon or silicon nitride, or as a round (glass) disc exhibiting so-called optical whisper gallery modes.In the frequency comb generator, due to the optical Kerr effect, the laser light, which is coupled evanescently into the frequency comb generator, can also generate the optical frequency comb signal with equidistant wavelength intervals via nonlinear effects and a special form of four-wave mixing.

[0012] Depending on the measurement method used, the laser can be additionally tunable and / or the laser light can be modulated in a subsequent optical modulator. In particular, the wavelength spacing can be adjusted using the frequency comb generator, especially based on the size, material, and pump wavelength. The lidar distance measuring device can be operated using the CW (continuous wave) or FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) measurement method, or using pulsed methods such as single-pulse or statistical measurement methods. Depending on the method used, a pulsed, modulable, especially frequency-modulated, or tunable laser source can be employed.Furthermore, the lidar distance measuring device can include optical modulators, which are configured, for example, to modulate the light transmitted via the optical signal channels in order to generate channel-specific or channel-independent chirps. The laser beam can also be modulated and / or detuned such that optical solitons are generated in the frequency comb generator. Based on the modulation and / or detuning of the laser beam, the pulse rate of the solitons can also be controlled. The solitons can then be separated into individual wavelength-specific optical signal channels by means of the signal splitting unit, for example, by means of a demultiplexer (demux).

[0013] The laser can, in particular, generate laser beams with a wavelength of 850 nm, 905 nm, 1301 nm, 1550 nm, or with another wavelength suitable for lidar measurement methods. Specifically, the components of the lidar distance measuring device can be adapted to the base wavelength of the laser.

[0014] The receiving unit receives the light reflected back from the objects in the measuring range as received light, which can comprise a multitude of different wavelengths, corresponding, for example, to the optical signal channels. The receiving unit is specifically designed to separate the received light into individual optical receiving channels based on the wavelengths corresponding to the optical signal channels or the modified optical signal channels. For example, the receiving unit can include an optical demux or corresponding filters for this purpose. Each optical receiving channel can then be fed to a respective photodiode, particularly together with a corresponding portion of the transmitted light, e.g., a corresponding optical signal channel, so that a respective electrical signal can be generated.Since the receive channels have the same wavelength spacing between individual channels as the modified optical signal channels, the receive channels can be arranged close to each other and still ensure strong suppression of channel crosstalk. Depending on the requirements, the optical signal channels, the modified optical signal channels, and / or the optical receive channels can be arranged in a row, column, or two-dimensional array.

[0015] Advantageously, the lidar distance measuring device according to the invention requires only one laser source to generate the different optical signal channels. Thus, wavelength shifts affect all optical signal channels equally, preventing interference. Furthermore, only one laser source needs to be stabilized to, for example, limit frequency drift. The rearrangement of the optical signal channels and the associated increase in wavelength spacing reduce crosstalk between channels. Simultaneously, the large number of signal channels enables high measurement rates with high measurement point resolution and low channel crosstalk. The use of only a single laser also reduces system costs and increases service life, as the laser is often the limiting component in terms of device lifespan.Furthermore, the use of a single laser results in fewer heat dissipation problems, thus achieving increased energy efficiency.

[0016] Further embodiments of the invention can be found in the description, the dependent claims and the drawings.

[0017] According to a first embodiment, the channel matching unit is configured to change the position of the optical signal channels such that adjacent signal channels do not have directly adjacent wavelength ranges. This further reduces channel crosstalk, as adjacent signal channels have a larger wavelength separation. With an increased wavelength separation between adjacent signal channels, the optical signal channels can be positioned closer together and still exhibit a low or acceptable level of channel crosstalk. The lidar distance measuring device can therefore be designed compactly, since increased spatial separation of the signal channels, particularly adjacent ones, is not required. This advantage also applies to the receiver side, as the receiving channels can be arranged in a correspondingly compact manner.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the channel matching unit is configured to change the position of the optical signal channels such that the distance between two originally adjacent optical signal channels is maximized. In particular, the channel matching unit is configured to change the position of the optical signal channels such that crosstalk is minimized. For example, a predetermined arrangement or rearrangement rule can be determined in advance, based on which the position of the optical signal channels is changed to maximize the distance between two originally adjacent signal channels. For example, if four optical signal channels A, B, C, and D are arranged along an axis, the channel matching unit can rearrange the optical signal channels as follows: Starting order: A - B - C - D Adapted order: A - D - B - C

[0019] The rearrangement of the optical signal channels can also be determined based on an algorithm and / or using artificial intelligence, e.g., a neural network. It is also possible that there is not just one optimal rearrangement, but a multitude of arrangements or arrangement rules based on which the channel matching unit can change the position of the optical signal channels.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the channel matching unit comprises a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the signal splitting unit is configured to couple the optical signal channels into the respective optical fibers. For example, the optical signals associated with the optical signal channels can be coupled into the respective optical fibers. Changing the position of the optical signal channels can be achieved, in particular, by means of the optical fibers, for example, by changing the arrangement of the fiber ends of the optical fibers with respect to the arrangement of the fiber inputs of the optical fibers. The arrangement of the optical signal channels at the fiber ends thus does not correspond, in particular, to the arrangement of the optical signal channels at the fiber inputs.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the frequency comb generator comprises a mode-locked laser, a microresonator, a parametric oscillator, and / or a grating resonator. The frequency comb generator receives the laser beam as an input signal consisting of a single carrier frequency. This laser beam is then processed in one of the described frequency comb generators to produce a frequency comb consisting of a series of optical signal channels of different frequencies, spaced at regular, uniform intervals. The different configurations of the frequency comb generator offer various advantages. For example, a mode-locked laser generates optical pulses whose frequency spectrum is distributed at regular intervals, thereby achieving particularly precise frequency spacing and high power.In this case, the laser and the frequency comb generator can, for example, be integrated into a single component. Microresonators can be implemented as silicon microresonators or Kerr media and are very compact and easily integrated onto a chip. Parametric oscillators (OPOs) utilize the nonlinear optical effect in certain materials to generate frequency combs and exhibit high frequency stability and good control over different wavelengths. Optical grating resonators use optical gratings and cavities to generate the frequency comb signal, achieving high precision and controlled frequency division.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the wavelength ranges and / or wavelengths of two adjacent optical signal channels have a constant wavelength separation from each other, wherein the wavelength separation between the adjacent optical signal channels is determined by the operating parameters of the frequency comb generator. The optical signal channels or optical signals of different wavelengths generated by the frequency comb generator are, in particular, uniformly and regularly distributed across the frequency domain. The constant wavelength separation between the optical signal channels ensures that all frequencies of the comb spectrum are at precisely defined intervals from each other, which is of great importance for precise calibration and measurement in optical distance measurement systems. The precise control and stability of these frequencies contributes significantly to improving the measurement accuracy and signal resolution of the LiDAR distance measurement device.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the optical signal channels are arranged along an axis or in a 2D field. For example, the optical signal channels can be arranged in a row, column, or 2D field, depending on the requirements. If the lidar distance measuring device includes, for example, a further uniaxial deflection unit, such as a polygon mirror wheel, which deflects the respective optical signals into the measuring area, a row or column arrangement is advantageous to cover the entire scan field. In particular, if the channel matching unit is also used as a deflection unit, for example, to influence the deflection of the optical signals' emission direction into the measuring area, the optical signal channels can be arranged in a 2D field.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the channel matching unit comprises a mirror, prism, and / or diffraction grating arrangement. The mirror, prism, and / or diffraction grating arrangement can, for example, be configured to rearrange the optical signal channels split by the signal splitting unit, or to change and / or exchange their spatial position.

[0025] For example, the beam direction of a given optical signal channel can be changed by a first prism, particularly by the prism's shape and orientation angle. A second prism can then be used to capture the deflected optical signal channel and deflect it further so that the modified optical signal channels are aligned along a predetermined direction, especially parallel to each other. This can be done accordingly for each optical signal channel.

[0026] In another embodiment, the deflection of the respective optical signal channels can be achieved by means of respective first and second mirrors. Similarly, the deflection of the optical signal channels can also be achieved by means of transmittive and / or reflective diffraction gratings.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the channel matching unit comprises a MEMS array (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Array). The MEMS array can include various types of components, such as micromirrors, actuators, sensors, and / or other microelectromechanical elements. For example, the MEMS array can be configured to deflect, focus, and / or perform a scanning process using the micromirrors. The advantage of MEMS arrays is their small size, allowing for the integration of a variety of functions in a very small space. Furthermore, the components of the MEMS array can be controlled, for example, by a controller, enabling flexible adjustment of the optical signal channel arrangement. In particular, the arrangement can be easily adapted to specific requirements.The MEMS array can be specifically configured to deflect the beam direction of the transmitted light beams within the measurement area. This means that, in addition to rearranging the optical signal channels, the MEMS array can also deflect individual optical signals within the measurement area without requiring a second component such as a polygon mirror. For this purpose, the mirrors of the MEMS array are, for example, movable along two axes, enabling both channel rearrangement and adjustment of the beam direction.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the channel matching unit comprises a PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit). In particular, the channel matching unit consists solely of the PIC. The PIC can house, for example, prisms, mirrors, diffraction gratings, and / or optical fibers, as well as other necessary components required for rearranging the optical signal channels. The optical signal channels can be coupled into or out of the PIC via optical fibers or as a free beam. The channel matching unit can, in particular, comprise a photonic metamaterial; for example, the channel matching unit can include a photonic crystal adapted to the specific application, which can perform the required or predetermined rearrangement of the optical signal channels. Compared to conventional PICs, a photonic crystal has the advantage of being easily integrated due to its compact size.

[0029] Between the signal splitting unit and the channel matching unit, at least one optical element is provided, for example, a collimating optic, for each optical signal channel, in order to focus the respective optical signal and direct it in a predetermined direction. For example, the channel matching unit can comprise a multitude of optical fibers, so that a separate optical element is required to focus the respective optical signal onto the fiber facet.

[0030] It is also possible for the entire lidar distance measuring device to be implemented as a PIC (Pilot-Integrated Project). Advantageously, in such a case, the system can be integrated onto one or a small number of chips, making it inexpensive and scalable to manufacture.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for measuring a distance, which comprises: at least one optical frequency comb signal is generated based on a laser beam, the optical frequency comb signal is split into different optical signal channels, at least two optical signal channels are changed in their relative position to each other, Light belonging to the altered signal channels is stolen as transmitted light into a measuring area, Light reflected back from objects in the measuring range is received as received light, and A distance to the object is determined based on the received light and, in particular, at least a part of the transmitted light.

[0032] The descriptions of the lidar distance measuring device according to the invention apply accordingly to the method. This applies in particular with regard to advantages and embodiments.

[0033] It should be noted that any combination of the above embodiments is possible, unless explicitly excluded.

[0034] The invention is described below by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a lidar distance measuring device, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the operating principle of the lidar distance measuring device, Fig. 3 an illustration of the splitting of a frequency comb signal, Fig. 4 an illustration of the operation of a channel adaptation unit with a prism arrangement (4A) or with a mirror arrangement (4B), Fig. 5 an illustration of the operation of a channel matching unit which includes a MEMS array, and Fig. 6 a detailed illustration of the lidar distance measuring device.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a lidar distance measuring device 10, which includes a laser 12 for generating a laser beam and a frequency comb generator 14 that generates at least one optical frequency comb signal 37 based on the laser beam. The lidar distance measuring device 10 further comprises a signal splitting unit 16, which splits the optical frequency comb signal 37 into different optical signal channels 34, each assigned a specific wavelength range, and a channel matching unit 18, which changes the relative position of at least two optical signal channels 34. Light corresponding to the changed optical signal channels is transmitted as transmitted light 22 into a measuring area 24 via a transmitter unit 20. A receiver unit 26 of the lidar distance measuring device 10 receives light reflected back from objects 28 in the measuring area 24 as received light 30.A signal processing unit 32 then determines a distance to the object 28 based on the received light 30 and / or at least a part of the transmitted light 22. A detailed description of an exemplary signal processing process is given in the description to . Fig. 6 can be seen.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the operation of the lidar distance measuring device 10 and, in particular, the channel matching unit 18. The laser 12, which generates a laser beam, is shown. The laser beam is converted into an optical frequency comb signal 37 by means of a frequency comb generator 14 in the form of a microresonator. The optical frequency comb signal 37 is then split into different optical signal channels 34 by means of the signal splitting unit in the form of a demux, each channel being assigned a different wavelength range. The optical signal channels 34 are then rearranged or swapped by means of the channel matching unit 18, so that the arrangement of the rearranged optical signal channels 36 differs from the arrangement of the original optical signal channels 34.In particular, the arrangement of the rearranged optical signal channels 36 is characterized in that adjacent optical signal channels do not have directly adjacent wavelength ranges and / or that the distance between two originally adjacent optical signal channels 34 is maximized. The rearrangement of the optical signal channels 34 leads to reduced channel crosstalk and thus to an improved measurement result.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the splitting of the optical frequency comb signal 37 using a prism 38 (left) or a transmittive diffraction grating 40 (right). As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the optical frequency comb signal 37 is split into individual optical signal channels 34 as soon as it encounters the respective signal splitting unit 16. Different types of signal splitting units 16, such as a prism 38, a diffraction grating 40, and / or the like, can be used for this purpose. As shown in Figure 3, the optical frequency comb signal 37 is split into individual optical signal channels 34 as soon as it encounters the respective signal splitting unit 16. Different types of signal splitting units 16, for example a prism 38, a diffraction grating 40, and / or the like, can be used for this purpose. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the arrangement of the optical signal channels 34, in particular the associated wavelength ranges, may differ depending on the type of signal splitting unit 16 used.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the operation of a channel matching unit 18. In Fig. 4A is a channel matching unit 18 in the form of a prism arrangement 42. The optical signal channels 34 split by the signal splitting unit 16 correspond to free-space channels, i.e., the optical signals are transmitted via free-space transmission. A first optical signal channel 34 remains unchanged, while the remaining optical signal channels 34 are deflected by means of a first group of prisms 44, the deflected optical signal channels being received by a second group of prisms 44 and aligned parallel to each other. As shown in the figure Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4A, the subsequent arrangement of the rearranged optical signal channels 36 differs from that of the original optical signal channels 34.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4B shows an alternative embodiment of the channel matching unit 18, which in this case is designed as a mirror arrangement 46, wherein instead of prisms 44 a plurality of mirrors 48 are used to deflect and rearrange the optical signal channels.

[0040] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the channel matching unit 18 is configured as a MEMS array 50. The optical signal channels 34, split by the signal splitting unit 16, are directed onto respective micromirrors 52 of the MEMS array 50, which can be aligned by a control unit (not shown) to adjust the deflection direction of the respective optical signal channel 34. The micromirrors 52 can be movable, in particular along two axes, so that the MEMS array 50 can also be used to set or adjust the deflection direction of a respective optical signal channel 34 or a rearranged optical signal channel 36 within the measurement range, thereby, for example, realizing a scan pattern.

[0041] Fig. Figure 6 shows a detailed representation of the lidar distance measuring device 10. The laser 12, controlled by a driver 54, generates a laser beam which, in the case of a CW or FMCW method, is modulated by an optical modulator 56 and can optionally be amplified by an optical amplifier 58. Subsequently, the polarization of the laser beam can be controlled and adjusted by means of a polarization controller 60 before the laser beam is fed to the frequency comb generator 14, e.g., a microresonator, which generates an optical frequency comb signal 37 based on the received laser beam. For the subsequent mixing of transmitted and received signals, a portion of the optical frequency comb signal 37 can be split by means of an optical coupler 62, which, for example, has an output ratio of 99:1. Optionally, a delay element can also be provided to delay the optical frequency comb signal 37 in time.A demux unit can then split the optical frequency comb signal 37 into individual optical signal channels 34, each assigned to different wavelength ranges, as a signal splitting unit 16. The individual optical signal channels 34 are then rearranged by means of the channel matching unit 18 as described above, whereby the rearranged optical signal channels 36, or the light belonging to the rearranged optical signal channels 36, are transmitted into the measurement area via a transmitting optic 66. Light reflected back from an object 28 is then received as received light 30 by the receiving optic 68.The received signal is then split into individual optical receiving channels 72 via a further demux 70 or using wavelength-dependent filters. These optical receiving channels 72 are mixed with their corresponding optical signal channels 34 and 36 by means of an optical mixer 74 and converted into respective electrical mixed signals by means of photodiodes 76. These signals are used by the signal processing unit 32 to determine the distance to the object 28. Alternatively, the signals can be mixed electrically, in which case the respective optical signal channels 34 and 36 and the respective optical receiving channels 72 are converted into their respective electrical signals before mixing. The signal processing unit 32 can determine the distance to the object 28 based on the measurement method used, for example, a CW, FMCW, single-pulse, or statistical measurement method.

[0042] In principle, it is also possible to use only one optic as the transmitting and receiving optic 66, 68, in which case a circulator is used to separate the transmitting and receiving light 22, 30 from each other. Furthermore, it is also possible to modulate the light guided via a respective optical signal channel 34, 36 independently of the channel in order, for example, to generate channel-independent chirps for an FMCW method. The invention is therefore compatible with various measurement methods and is not limited to a single method. The in Fig. The six components shown with dashed lines are optional components that can be used or omitted as needed. Reference symbol list 10 LiDAR distance measuring device 12 lasers 14 Frequency comb generator 16 Signal splitting unit 18-channel matching unit 20 transmitting units 22 transmitting light 24 measuring range 26 receiver units 28 objects 30 reception light 32 Signal processing unit 34 optical signal channels 36 rearranged optical signal channels 37 optical frequency comb signal 38 prisms 40 diffraction gratings 42 prism arrangement 44 prisms 46 Mirror arrangement 48 mirrors 50 MEMS array 52 micromirrors 54 drivers 56 optical modulator 58 optical amplifiers 60 polarization controllers 62 optical couplers 64 Delay element 66 Transmitter optics 68 Receiving optics 70 Demux 72 optical receiving channels 74 optical mixers 76 photodiodes

Claims

LiDAR distance measuring device (10) comprising: a laser (12) for generating a laser beam, a frequency comb generator (14) configured to generate at least one optical frequency comb signal (37) based on the laser beam, a signal splitting unit (16) configured to split the optical frequency comb signal (37) into different optical signal channels (34), each assigned a respective wavelength range, a channel matching unit (18) configured to change the relative position of at least two optical signal channels (34) to each other, a transmitting unit (20) configured to transmit light (22) belonging to the changed optical signal channels (36) into a measuring area (24), a receiving unit (26) for receiving transmitted light (30) reflected from objects (28) in the measuring area (24), and a signal processing unit (32) configured is,based on the received light (30) and in particular at least a part of the transmitted light (22) to determine a distance to the object (28). LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the channel matching unit (18) is configured to change the position of the optical signal channels (34) such that adjacent signal channels (34) do not have directly adjacent wavelength ranges. LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel matching unit (18) is configured to change the position of the optical signal channels (34) such that the distance between two originally adjacent optical signal channels (34) is maximized. LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel matching unit (18) comprises a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the signal splitting unit (16) is configured to couple the optical signal channels (34) into respective optical fibers. LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency comb generator comprises a mode-locked laser, a microresonator, a parametric oscillator, and / or a grating resonator. LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wavelength ranges of two adjacent optical signal channels have a constant wavelength separation from each other, wherein the wavelength separation between the adjacent optical signal channels is determined by the operating parameters of the frequency comb generator. LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical signal channels (34) are arranged along an axis or in a 2D field. LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel matching unit (18) comprises a mirror, prism and / or diffraction grating arrangement. LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel matching unit (18) comprises a MEMS array (50). LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the MEMS array (50) is configured to deflect the direction of the transmitted light beams (22) into the measuring area (24). LIDAR distance measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel matching unit (18) comprises a PIC.

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