SCANNING LIDAR SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH SPATIAL FILTERING FOR REDUCTION OF AMBIENT LIGHT

A LiDAR detection system includes optical sources disposed along a first direction and a scanning device for scanning optical signals over a second direction different than the first direction into the region. A receiver receives reflected optical signals generated by reflection of the transmitted optical signals and generates receive signals indicative of the reflected optical signals. A mask is disposed near the receiver between the region and the receiver, the mask comprising a plurality of optically transparent slits through which at least a substantial portion of the reflected optical signals pass and an optically opaque portion adjacent to the slits being adapted to substantially block ambient light from reaching the receiver. A processor coupled to the receiver receives and processes the receive signals to generate detections of one or more objects in the region.