The recent progress in integrated photonics achieved at EPFL and the “HOT” FET-proactive project led to the development of a CMOS-compatible hybrid piezo-electric-mechanical photonic chip-based resonator. We combined this technology with recent advances of the EPFL on laser self-injection locking to develop coherent laser distance ranging system (LIDAR) or frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LIDAR. Such a LiDAR enables fully autonomous driving of consumer cars, industrial transportation, and drones and improves the performance with all societal benefits related to improved security. However coherent LIDAR faces major issues: it requires lasers that are frequency agile, low noise, compact, and above all can be scanned in a very precise fashion. Today, no compact, mass manufacturable coherent LiDAR module exists. FRESCO provided a novel cost-efficient and scalable technology for FMCW LIDAR. A novel hybrid piezoelectrical resonance tuner, a core of the FRESCO project, allows extending frequency-agile scanning of a laser. Therefore, the chirp linearity and bandwidth, which are key system parameters for FMCW detection sensitivity, precision, and accuracy, are improved greatly. Within the FRESCO project, we performed industrial testing of the first prototypes and perform the technology assessment with industrial partners. We performed a market study and determined the market niche for the product. The first prototypes served as FRESCO’s minimum viable product and were presented at various industry trade-shows. In conclusion, FRESCO defined a go-to-market strategy for a novel laser system, a game-changer for the distance-ranging systems for the automotive industry, and defined other potential markets.
