Publications

Version: 1.1 Approved

LDO-ID 2014-11-11-12

Title Advanced 3D imaging lidar concepts for long range sensing

Abstract

Recent developments in 3D imaging lidar are presented. Long range 3D imaging using photon counting is now a possibility, offering a low-cost approach to integrated remote sensing with step changing advantages in size, weight and power compared to conventional analogue active imaging technology. We report results using a Geiger-mode array for time-of-flight, single photon counting lidar for depth profiling and determination of the shape and size of tree canopies and distributed surface reflections at a range of 9km, with 4mJ pulses with a frame rate of 100kHz using a low-cost fibre laser operating at a wavelength of l=1.5mm. The range resolution is less than 4cm providing very high depth resolution for target identification. This specification opens up several additional functionalities for advanced lidar, for example: absolute rangefinding and depth profiling for long range identification, optical communications, turbulence sensing and time-of-flight spectroscopy. Future concepts for 3D time-of-flight polarimetric and multispectral imaging lidar, with optical communications in a single integrated system are also proposed.

Authors Lamb Robert, Hiskett Philip, Wong Gerald, Gordon Karen, Pawlikowska Agata, Pilkington Roger, Sinclair Peter

Type Paper for Seminar/Symposium/Conference

Media SPIE 2014 - International Symposium on Optronics in Defense and Security (05-09 May 2014, Baltimore, USA)

Web site

Anno 2014