Long-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon counting
Single-photon detection technologies are of high relevance to light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications for the range resolution and surface profiling of distant target objects. Modern single-photon detectors offer high quantum efficiencies and small timing jitters in the order of tens of ps,...
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ndltd-bl.uk-oai-ethos.bl.uk-5487382016-10-04T03:29:59ZLong-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon countingKrichel, Nils JohannesBuller, Gerald2011Single-photon detection technologies are of high relevance to light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications for the range resolution and surface profiling of distant target objects. Modern single-photon detectors offer high quantum efficiencies and small timing jitters in the order of tens of ps, allowing for the rapid acquisition of high-resolution time-of-flight information with eye-safe illumination powers. In time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), every detection event is treated as an independent measurement of time. The build-up of photon statistics over many measurement cycles allows for time-of-flight measurements with a precision that can be superior to the system’s single-shot timing uncertainty. This Thesis presents work on a scanning, long-range depth profiler based on TCSPC. Its design is discussed and a comprehensive set of performance metrics is evaluated, serving as the base for a theoretical performance model. Beside measurements at an illumination wavelength of 842 nm, the operation of the system at 1.56 m is also described. A special focus is made on the implementation and evaluation of different single-photon detection modules, including a novel, resonant-cavity-enhanced single-photon avalanche diode. A new data acquisition mode for TCSPC applications was developed to facilitate performance evaluation. Depth uncertainties of 250 m were achieved with the system at 320 m stand-off distance, and a pattern matching scheme was implemented to acquire unambiguous photon-counting depth images at a record-breaking target distance of 4.4 km while maintaining eye-safe illumination levels. Advanced return analysis algorithms were used to demonstrate the automatic resolution of multiple target surfaces.621.36Heriot-Watt Universityhttp://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.548738http://hdl.handle.net/10399/2475Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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621.36 Krichel, Nils Johannes Long-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon counting |
description |
Single-photon detection technologies are of high relevance to light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications for the range resolution and surface profiling of distant target objects. Modern single-photon detectors offer high quantum efficiencies and small timing jitters in the order of tens of ps, allowing for the rapid acquisition of high-resolution time-of-flight information with eye-safe illumination powers. In time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), every detection event is treated as an independent measurement of time. The build-up of photon statistics over many measurement cycles allows for time-of-flight measurements with a precision that can be superior to the system’s single-shot timing uncertainty. This Thesis presents work on a scanning, long-range depth profiler based on TCSPC. Its design is discussed and a comprehensive set of performance metrics is evaluated, serving as the base for a theoretical performance model. Beside measurements at an illumination wavelength of 842 nm, the operation of the system at 1.56 m is also described. A special focus is made on the implementation and evaluation of different single-photon detection modules, including a novel, resonant-cavity-enhanced single-photon avalanche diode. A new data acquisition mode for TCSPC applications was developed to facilitate performance evaluation. Depth uncertainties of 250 m were achieved with the system at 320 m stand-off distance, and a pattern matching scheme was implemented to acquire unambiguous photon-counting depth images at a record-breaking target distance of 4.4 km while maintaining eye-safe illumination levels. Advanced return analysis algorithms were used to demonstrate the automatic resolution of multiple target surfaces. |
author2 |
Buller, Gerald |
author_facet |
Buller, Gerald Krichel, Nils Johannes |
author |
Krichel, Nils Johannes |
author_sort |
Krichel, Nils Johannes |
title |
Long-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon counting |
title_short |
Long-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon counting |
title_full |
Long-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon counting |
title_fullStr |
Long-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon counting |
title_full_unstemmed |
Long-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon counting |
title_sort |
long-range depth profiling based on time-correlated single-photon counting |
publisher |
Heriot-Watt University |
publishDate |
2011 |
url |
http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.548738 |
work_keys_str_mv |
AT krichelnilsjohannes longrangedepthprofilingbasedontimecorrelatedsinglephotoncounting |
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1718386069627469824 |