A 32&amp;#x00D7;32 50ps resolution 10 bit time to digital converter array in 130nm CMOS for time correlated imaging

Richardson, Julia M.; Walker, Richard; Grant, Lindsay A.; Stoppa, David; Borghetti, F.; Charbon, Edoardo; Gersbach, M.; Henderson, Robert K.

doi:10.1109/cicc.2009.5280890

Cited by 118 publications

(140 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…We set out to solve the tracking problem and develop a technique based on both hardware and software implementations that are specifically designed for this 2 purpose. Our solution is based on a LIDAR-like approach where a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) camera [7,[18][19][20][21][22] is used to image light that is backscattered from beyond the direct line-of-sight (see Methods for camera details). The high temporal resolution of the camera relies on the fact that each individual pixel is operated in time-correlated single-photon counting (TCPSC) mode [21,22], and measures the arrival times of single photons with a 45.5 ps time bin.…”

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confidence: 99%

Detection and tracking of moving objects hidden from view

et al. 2015

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The ability to detect motion and track a moving object hidden around a corner or behind a wall provides a crucial advantage when physically going around the obstacle is impossible or dangerous. Previous methods have demonstrated that is possible to reconstruct the shape of an object hidden from view. However, these methods do not enable the tracking of movement in real-time. We demonstrate a compact non-line-of-sight laser ranging technology that relies upon the ability to send light around an obstacle using a scattering floor and to detect the return signal from a hidden object with only a few seconds acquisition time. By detecting this signal with a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) camera, we follow the movement of an object located a meter away from the camera with centimetre precision. We discuss the possibility of applying this technology to a variety of real-life situations in the 1 near future.Recent years have seen remarkable advances in the field of image processing and data acquisition, allowing for a range of novel applications [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. An exciting new avenue is using optical imaging techniques to observe and track objects that are both in movement and hidden from the direct line-of-sight. The ability to detect motion and track a moving object hidden from view would provide a crucial advantage when physically going around the obstacle is impossible or dangerous, for example to detect a person moving behind a wall or a car approaching from behind a blind corner.Techniques for imaging static objects that are hidden from view have been recently demonstrated relying on, for example, radar technology [9,10], variations of laser illuminated detection and ranging (LIDAR) [3,5,11,12], or speckle-based imaging. The latter approach was first developed for imaging through opaque barriers [13][14][15], and also allows for imaging around corners [16,17]. The work of Velten et al. [5] and, more recently, Buttafava et al. [8] sets out to establish the 3D shape of a static hidden object by collecting the return scattered light with a streak camera or single-photon avalanche diode, respectively. While remarkable 3D reconstruction of objects are achieved with these techniques, Buttafava et al. point out that the requirement for scanning and subsequent long acquisition times mean that their technique is currently unsuitable for imaging moving objects.Notwithstanding these ingenious imaging systems, locating the position of a hidden object in motion and monitoring its movement in real time remains to date a major challenge. We set out to solve the tracking problem and develop a technique based on both hardware and software implementations that are specifically designed for this 2 purpose. Our solution is based on a LIDAR-like approach where a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) camera [7,[18][19][20][21][22] is used to image light that is backscattered from beyond the direct line-of-sight (see Methods for camera details). The high temporal resolution of the camera relies on the fact that each indiv...

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confidence: 99%

Detection and tracking of moving objects hidden from view

et al. 2015

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“…The EC project MEGAFRAME has gone even further, creating a new family of SPADs implemented in 130nm CMOS technology [21]. These new devices, coupled with deep sub-nanosecond time-to-amplitude (TAC) and time-to-digital (TDC) converters, have yielded a new generation of ultra fast imagers capable of sustained speeds of 1Mfps [22,23,24]. These speeds could be achieved thanks to the implementation of pixellevel time discrimination and ultra fast readout schemes, capable of sustained speeds of over 10Gb/s.…”

Section: Single-photon Detection In Cmosmentioning

confidence: 99%

Highly Sensitive Arrays of Nano-sized Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes for Industrial and Bio Imaging

Charbon

2009

Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering

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Abstract. In this paper we present a review of recent advances in the field of ultra-sensitive imagers with ultra fast detection capability. Photon counting capability in these sensors is generally available, along with time-of-arrival analysis, thus enabling an increasingly broad range of diagnostics applications. The current trend is to migrate the designs with nanometric feature sizes and to push integration to new highs, so as to enable placing more functionality and more processing on pixel and on chip. Examples of these new trends are given in the context of industrial and bio applications.

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“…The integration of more complex processing and support circuits such as time-to-digital conversion, gated ripple counters and charge pumps is the subject of much recent research Richardson et al, 2009b;Guerrieri et al, 2010). However, as the main properties of the optical system are set by the choice of quench circuit and associated biasing arrangement for the SPAD we will focus on these aspects in more detail.…”

Section: Integrated Read-out Channels For Spadsmentioning

confidence: 99%