Laser ranging and mapping with a photon-counting detector

William C. Priedhorsky; Randall C. Smith; Cheng Ho

doi:10.1117/12.218619

1 September 1995 Laser ranging and mapping with a photon-counting detector

William C. Priedhorsky, Randall C. Smith, Cheng Ho

Proceedings Volume 2555, Airborne Reconnaissance XIX; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.218619
Event: SPIE's 1995 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

We propose a new technique for remote sensing: photon-counting laser mapping. Micro- channel plate detectors with crossed delay-line (MCP/CDL) readout combine high position accuracy and sub-nanosecond photon timing, at event rates of 10⁶ detected photons per second and more. A mapping system would combine an MCP/CDL detector with a fast pulse, high repetition rate laser illuminator. The system would map solid targets with exceptional range and cross-range resolution. The resulting images would be intrinsically three- dimensional, without resorting to multiple viewing angles, so that objects of identical albedo could be discriminated. For a detector time resolution and pulse width of order 10¹⁰ seconds, the in-range resolution would be a few centimeters, allowing the discrimination of surfaces by their textures. Images could be taken at night, at illumination levels up to full moonlight, from ground, airborne, or space platforms. We discuss signal-to-noise as a function of laser flux and background level.

Citation Download Citation

William C. Priedhorsky, Randall C. Smith, and Cheng Ho "Laser ranging and mapping with a photon-counting detector", Proc. SPIE 2555, Airborne Reconnaissance XIX, (1 September 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.218619

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