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A novel contactless technique to measure water waves using a single photon avalanche diode detector array
R Zhang1, S Draycott1,2, I Gyongy1
1School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK.
Proceedings. Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
|February 14, 2022
Summary
A novel optical system using a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detector array non-intrusively measures water wave surface elevation. This technology provides detailed sea state data, overcoming limitations of traditional intrusive methods.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography and Coastal Engineering
- Optical Measurement Systems
- Photonics and Detector Technology
Background:
- Traditional water wave measurement systems are often intrusive, limiting detailed sea state inference and facing environmental loading challenges.
- Existing non-intrusive optical techniques for wave measurement present usability and performance issues.
- There is a need for advanced, non-intrusive methods to accurately capture dynamic sea surface information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and evaluate experimental data from a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detector array for measuring water waves.
- To assess the performance of a SPAD-based system in a laboratory setting under controlled wave conditions.
- To demonstrate the potential of SPAD technology for simultaneous, non-intrusive measurement of water wave surface elevation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 256x256 Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detector array positioned 0.487m above the water surface.
- Employed picosecond resolution time-of-flight measurements synchronized with a 532nm pulsed laser source (<1mW).
- Processed time-of-flight data to derive surface elevation under 12 regular wave conditions without using dye.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained time-of-flight measurements and processed them into surface elevation data for regular water waves.
- Demonstrated good performance of the SPAD system up to a limiting wave steepness (ka) of 0.11.
- Validated the capability of the SPAD detector array for simultaneous measurement within its field-of-view.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a proof-of-concept for SPAD-based optical systems as a viable non-intrusive method for water wave measurement.
- SPAD technology offers a promising alternative to intrusive systems, providing detailed sea state information.
- Potential improvements for enhancing the performance of SPAD-based wave measurement systems were identified.
