The present disclosure is directed to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor system for a vehicle. The LIDAR sensor system includes a light source configured to output a beam. The LIDAR sensor system includes a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) array including a plurality of individualized SOA dies. A first individualized SOA die of the plurality of individualized SOA dies is spaced apart from a second individualized SOA die of the plurality of individualized SOA dies such that a spacing is defined between the first individualized SOA die and the second individualized SOA die. The SOA array is configured to receive the beam from the light source and amplify the beam.