pointcloud

We help machines see the world clearly

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What if machines could see a three-dimensional world in motion?

We develop technology capable of capturing velocity and three dimensional information.

With more clarity than ever thought possible?

Our single chip optoelectronic platform redefines 3D imaging performance.

What if autonomous mobility and augmented reality could be ubiquitous?

Platform enables short and long range applications from augmented reality to autonomous mobility.

What if they already do?

Coherent 4D imaging technology for uncompromising performance

Company


Started in 2017 in San Francisco, the company has developed the first integrated 4D imaging sensor based on a Coherent Focal Plane Array architecture. From the first results, published in early 2021 in the journal Nature, the technology has seen a rapid increase in interest from a wide range of partners and applications, covering automotive, robotics and augmented reality/consumer. In early 2022, Pointcloud started the next chapter in the development of the company, with the opening of the R&D offices in Zurich, Switzerland. The team in Zurich, together with the teams in Southampton, UK and San Francisco, will develop the next generation sensors.

The Coherent Focal Plane Array architecture combines the performance of coherent ranging with the scalability of array technology to create a cost efficient, high performance, solid-state 3D imaging + radial velocity sensor. Our technology was developed with high volume manufacturing in mind, leveraging high volume semiconductor and packaging processes from our partners.

Chipsets and development kit

Focal plane array (FPA) LiDAR chipsets:

  • QVGA class coherent LiDAR FPA in monostatic configuration
  • Solid-state beam steering eliminating the need for mechanical parts
  • 4D imaging capability with simultaneous distance and velocity measurement
  • Up to 128 parallel output channels and SPI control interface

For system development and evaluation purposes we offer a development kit:

  • FPA chipset on carrier board
  • FPGA signal processing for 8 channels
  • External transmitter based on 1310nm DFB laser generating a highly linear chirp due to silicon-photonics based I/Q modulator
  • A more compact and cost-effective development kit enabling up to 48-channel parallel readout is under development and we are currently accepting orders

For sales enquiries, quotations or general requests, please contact info@point.cloud



Point cloud visualization of the employee lounge in Zürich: Data recorded using the Gen1 FPA evaluation kit.

Insights

Nature

A universal 3D imaging sensor on a silicon photonics platform

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APL Photonics

Silicon photonic beam steering module with backside coupling elements toward dense heterogeneous integration with drive electronics

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SPIE

3D imaging via silicon-photonics-based LIDAR

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Team

We are a multidisciplinary team comprising software, hardware, signal processing and optoelectronics engineers tackling a problem with wide impact across multiple fields.

We're Hiring

If you share our desire to build a work environment based on respect, healthy collaboration, focus on the team’s success, and you’re excited to work at the frontiers of technology, we want to hear from you.


High Speed Mixed Signal Circuit Design Lead

High Speed Mixed Signal Senior Circuit Designer

Senior RF/Mixed Signal System Engineer

Senior Silicon Photonics Engineer

Partners

Baidu Ventures
ANSYS Startup Program
Propel(x)
University of Southampton

Contact

info@point.cloud

Stampfenbachstrasse 85,
Zurich, 8006
Switzerland

San Francisco, US

Southampton, UK

Zurich, Switzerland