Which of the following components is crucial in the Lidar system?

In a Lidar system, excited state atoms play a crucial role in generating the laser light that is emitted and used for mapping distances and surfaces. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) relies on the principles of light and its interaction with matter, wherein specific atoms or materials are excited to produce light at certain wavelengths. This ability to produce coherent light is fundamental to how Lidar systems operate, providing the illumination necessary for measuring distances based on the time it takes for the emitted light to reflect off surfaces and return to the sensor.

While other components like a digital processing unit are essential for interpreting the data collected, they don't fundamentally generate the light necessary for Lidar operation. Reflective mirrors assist in directing the laser light, but they don't generate it. The radar signal processor is more relevant to Radar technology, not Lidar, which focuses primarily on light rather than radio waves. Hence, the involvement of excited state atoms is a core aspect of Lidar function, making it a crucial component.