Multiple wavelength time-of-flight sensor based on time-correlated single-photon counting

Abstract

This article describes a time-of-flight sensor based on multiple pulsed laser sources which utilizes time-correlated single-photon counting. The sensor has demonstrated good performance at ranges of up to 17 km in daylight conditions. Analysis techniques were developed to examine the returns from targets containing more than one scattering surface.

Single-photon counting imaging systems

“…The use of novel signal processing approaches, such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, can be used effectively to extract surface depth information in high noise environments or for highly cluttered targets 17 . The use of multiple wavelength systems will be discussed 18 , with particular emphasis on photon-counting ranging at λ~1550nm 19 using superconducting nanowire detectors 20 .…”

Time-correlated single-photon counting range profiling and reflectance tomographic imaging

“…A multiple-wavelength TCSPC system was assembled and described by Buller and co-workers showing detection of corner cube retro reflectors at up to 17 km range in full daylight conditions [12,13]. Theoretical methods for extracting information from non-cooperative targets based on maximum likelihood estimation and reversible jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) algorithms were developed and shown to provide good agreement with experimental results [14].…”

Infrared wavelength-dependent optical characterization of NbN nanowire superconducting single-photon detectors

“…Timecorrelated single-photon counting (TCSPC) is widely used for measuring spontaneous emission lifetimes in solid state, chemical and biological systems, but to date has been limited almost exclusively to wavelengths below $1.1 mm [4]. TCSPC methods can be used in laser ranging applications at 'eye-safe' wavelengths beyond 1.5 mm [5,6]. Longer wavelengths also offer opportunities for remote sensing of atmospheric greenhouse gases, since carbon dioxide and methane have several absorption bands between 1.57 and 2.3 mm, where the influence of water vapor is weak [7].…”