Multiple wavelength time-of-flight sensor based on time-correlated single-photon counting (original) (raw)
Related papers
Long-range time-of-flight scanning sensor based on high-speed time-correlated single-photon counting
Applied Optics, 2009
We describe a scanning time-of-flight system which uses the time-correlated single-photon counting technique to produce three-dimensional depth images of distant, noncooperative surfaces when these targets are illuminated by a kHz to MHz repetition rate pulsed laser source. The data for the scene are acquired using a scanning optical system and an individual single-photon detector. Depth images have been successfully acquired with centimeter xyz resolution, in daylight conditions, for low-signature targets in field trials at distances of up to 325 m using an output illumination with an average optical power of less than 50 μW.
Time-of-Flight Optical Ranging System Based on Time-Correlated Single-Photon Counting
Applied Optics, 1998
The design and implementation of a prototype time-of-flight optical ranging system based on the timecorrelated single-photon-counting technique are described. The sensor is characterized in terms of its longitudinal and transverse spatial resolution, single-point measurement time, and long-term stability. The system has been operated at stand-off distances of 0.5-5 m, has a depth repeatability of Ͻ30 m, and has a lateral spatial resolution of Ͻ500 m.
Time-of-flight sensing using time-correlated single-photon counting
Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices V, 2008
Time-correlated single-photon counting techniques using individual optimized detectors have been applied to time-of-flight ranging and depth imaging. This paper describes recent progress in photon-counting systems performing surface mapping of non-cooperative targets. This includes systems designed for short ranges of the order of 1-50 meters, and longer ranges of up to ten kilometers. The technique has also been applied to distributed surfaces. We describe the measurement approach, techniques used for scanning, as well as the signal analysis methodology and algorithm selection.
Enhanced performance photon-counting time-of-flight sensor
Optics Express, 2007
We describe improvements to a time-of-flight sensor utilising the time-correlated single-photon counting technique employing a commercially-available silicon-based photon-counting module. By making modifications to the single-photon detection circuitry and the data analysis techniques, we experimentally demonstrate improved resolution between multiple scattering surfaces with a minimum resolvable separation of 1.7 cm at ranges in excess of several hundred metres.
Laser-based distance measurement using picosecond resolution time-correlated single-photon counting
Measurement Science and Technology, 2000
In this paper, we report results obtained with a time-of-flight ranging/scanning system based on time-correlated single-photon counting. This system uses a pulsed picosecond diode laser and detects the scattered signal from a non-cooperative target surface using a semiconductor single-photon detector. A demonstration system has been constructed and used to examine the depth resolution obtainable as a function of the integrated number of photon returns. The depth resolution has been examined for integrated photon returns varying by five orders of magnitude, both by obtaining experimental measurements and by computer simulation. Depth resolutions of approximately 3 mm were obtained for only ten returned photons. The effect of the background signal, originating either from temporally uncorrelated light signals or from detector noise, has also been examined.
Advanced Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting Techniques
Journal of Microscopy, 2006
Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) is based on the detection of single photons of a periodic light signal, measurement of the detection time of the photons, and the build-up of the photon distribution versus the time in the signal period. TCSPC achieves a near ideal counting efficiency and transit-time-spread-limited time resolution for a given detector. The drawback of traditional TCSPC is the low count rate, long acquisition time, and the fact that the technique is one-dimensional, i.e. limited to the recording of the pulse shape of light signals. We present an advanced TCSPC technique featuring multi-dimensional photon acquisition and a count rate close to the capability of currently available detectors. The technique is able to acquire photon distributions versus wavelength, spatial coordinates, and the time on the ps scale, and to record fast changes in the fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence intensity of a sample. Biomedical applications of advanced TCSPC techniques are time-domain optical tomography, recording of transient phenomena in biological systems, spectrally resolved fluorescence lifetime imaging, FRET experiments in living cells, and the investigation of dye-protein complexes by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. We demonstrate the potential of the technique for selected applications.
Applied Optics, 2002
The design and operation of a noncontact surface profilometry system based on the time-correlated single-photon-counting technique are described. This system has a robust optomechanical design and uses an eye-safe laser that makes it particularly suitable for operation in an uncontrolled industrial environment. The sensitivity of the photon-counting technique permits its use on a variety of target materials, and its mode of operation does not require the continual presence of an operator. The system described has been optimized for a 1-25-m standoff, has a distance repeatability of Ͻ30 m, and has a transverse spatial resolution of ϳ60 m at a 2-m standoff and ϳ400 m at a 13-m standoff.