Scanning of low-signature targets using time-correlated single-photon counting

G. S. Buller; R. J. Collins; N. J. Krichel; A. M. Wallace; A. McCarthy

doi:10.1117/12.818645

28 April 2009 Scanning of low-signature targets using time-correlated single-photon counting

G. S. Buller; R. J. Collins; N. J. Krichel; A. M. Wallace; A. McCarthy

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7320, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques III; 732003 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.818645
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2009, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

We describe a scanning time-of-flight system which uses the time-correlated single photon-counting technique to produce three-dimensional depth images of scenes using low average laser power levels (ie <1mW). The technique is fundamentally flexible: the trade-off between the integrated number of counts (or acquisition time) against depth resolution permits use in a diverse range of applications. The inherent time gating of the technique, used in conjunction with spatial and spectral filtering, permits operation under high ambient light conditions. Our optical system uses a galvanometer mirror pair to scan the laser excitation over the scene and to direct the collected scattered photon return to an individual silicon single-photon avalanche diode detector. The system uses a picosecond pulsed diode laser at a wavelength of 850nm at MHz repetition rates. The source is directed to the target and the scattered return is collected using a 200mm focal length camera lens. The optical system is housed in a compact customdesigned slotted baseplate optomechanical platform. Currently, the system is capable of a spatial resolution and a depth resolution of better than 10cm at 1km range. We present a series of measurements on a range of non-cooperative target objects.

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G. S. Buller, G. S. Buller, R. J. Collins, R. J. Collins, N. J. Krichel, N. J. Krichel, A. M. Wallace, A. M. Wallace, A. McCarthy, A. McCarthy, } "Scanning of low-signature targets using time-correlated single-photon counting", Proc. SPIE 7320, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques III, 732003 (28 April 2009); doi: 10.1117/12.818645; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.818645

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