Design considerations for high-altitude altimetry and lidar systems incorporating single-photon avalanche diode detectors

P. A. Hiskett; R. A. Lamb

doi:10.1117/12.883871

12 May 2011 Design considerations for high-altitude altimetry and lidar systems incorporating single-photon avalanche diode detectors

P. A. Hiskett, R. A. Lamb

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8033, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques V; 80330F (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883871
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Typical commercially available airborne lidar systems utilise analogue avalanche photodiodes to detect the return pulses but can be restricted to operation at low altitudes because of the weak pulse energies associated with returns from Lambertian surfaces. The ultra high sensitivity of single photon avalanche diodes have been demonstrated in many applications such as time-resolved photoluminescence and quantum key distribution and with their ability to detect single photons with high efficiency these devices are potential candidates for use in high altitude lidar systems. However, the long hold-off times of these devices has been a cause for concern in an application where rapid data collection is necessary. This paper discusses the use of single photon avalanche diodes in high altitude lidar systems. The general requirements for a lidar system are described and the performance of single photon avalanche diode devices is predicted for both static and scanned lidar systems.

Citation Download Citation

P. A. Hiskett and R. A. Lamb "Design considerations for high-altitude altimetry and lidar systems incorporating single-photon avalanche diode detectors", Proc. SPIE 8033, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques V, 80330F (12 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883871

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