Solid-state 3D imaging using a 1nJ/100ps laser diode transmitter and a single photon receiver matrix

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Solid-State Imaging Technology
• 3D Sensing

Background:

• Traditional 3D imaging systems often lack flexibility in performance parameters.
• Pulsed time-of-flight (ToF) imaging offers depth information but can be limited by system design.
• The need for adaptable and solid-state 3D imaging solutions is growing across various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel 3D imaging concept based on pulsed time-of-flight focal plane imaging.
• To demonstrate a flexible system design that allows tailoring of performance parameters like range, resolution, and frame rate.
• To explore the potential of this technology as a solid-state 3D imaging solution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a laser diode in enhanced gain-switching mode for generating short, high-energy pulses (~100 ps FWHM, nJ).
• Developed a receiver comprising 2D Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) and Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) arrays on a single die.
• Implemented paraxial optics for field-of-view illumination and receiver placement at the focal plane.

Main Results:

• A prototype system was successfully built and tested using an 870nm laser and a 9x9 SPAD array with a 10-channel TDC.
• The system demonstrated the feasibility of pulsed ToF focal plane imaging with flexible performance.
• Initial results validate the potential for high-quality 3D data acquisition.

Conclusions:

• The presented pulsed time-of-flight focal plane imaging concept is a viable approach for flexible 3D imaging.
• The prototype validates the potential for a compact, solid-state 3D imaging system.
• Further development could lead to widespread adoption in applications requiring adaptable 3D sensing.