Feasibility study to determine correct focus by analyzing photon distributions on Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode focal plane array

Tae Hoon Kim; Hong Jin Kong; Sung Eun Jo; Min Seok Oh

doi:10.1117/12.883105

1 June 2011 Feasibility study to determine correct focus by analyzing photon distributions on Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode focal plane array

Tae Hoon Kim, Hong Jin Kong, Sung Eun Jo, Min Seok Oh

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8037, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XVI; 80371I (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883105
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

A method to determine correct focus in direct detection laser radar system using Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode focal plane array (GmAPD-FPA) is proposed. It is implemented by laser pulses with controlled beam diameter and energy on a distant target. And the time-of-flight (TOF) of laser pulses are obtained for each pixel in GmAPD-FPA. With multiple laser pulses, time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) is carried out to obtain target detection probability. Using target detection probabilities of each pixel, the photon distribution on GmAPD-FPA is acquired. The condition to determine correct focus is the minimum photon distribution in GmAPD-FPA. In theory part, the range of laser pulse energy is decided. The experiments are carried out with commercial 1x8 pixel GmAPD-FPA. The experimental results show that the focus position is founded using this method and a spatial resolution of a laser radar system is improved where the 1x8 pixel GmAPD-FPA is located in focus position.

Citation Download Citation

Tae Hoon Kim, Hong Jin Kong, Sung Eun Jo, and Min Seok Oh "Feasibility study to determine correct focus by analyzing photon distributions on Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode focal plane array", Proc. SPIE 8037, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XVI, 80371I (1 June 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883105

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