Time-Correlated Single-Photon Counting Range Profiling of Moving Objects

Abstract

Time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) is a laser radar technique that can provide range profiling with very high resolution. Range profiles of multiple surface objects and geometrical shapes are revealed using multiple laser pulses with very low pulse energy. The method relies on accurate time measurements between a laser pulse sync signal and the registration of a single-photon event of reflected photons from a target.TCSPC is a statistic method that requires an acquisition time and therefore the range profile of a non-stationary object (target) may be corrupted. Here, we present results showing that it is possible to reconstruct the range profile of a moving target and calculate the velocity of the target.