Fundamental limits to depth imaging with single-photon detector array sensors

Jonathan Leach

doi:10.1117/12.2666433

15 June 2023 Fundamental limits to depth imaging with single-photon detector array sensors

Jonathan Leach

Proceedings Volume PC12512, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques XVII; PC125120B (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2666433
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2023, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Single-photon detector (SPAD) arrays are multi-pixel sensors that have single-photon sensitivity and pico-second temporal resolution. However, to fully exploit the capabilities of SPAD array sensors, it is crucial to establish the quality of depth images they are able to generate in a wide range of scenarios. What is the best-case depth resolution and what are realistic images generated by SPAD arrays? In this work, we establish a robust yet simple numerical procedure that rapidly establishes the fundamental limits to depth imaging with SPAD arrays under real-world conditions. Our approach accurately generates realistic depth images in a wide range of scenarios, allowing the performance of an optical depth imaging system to be established without the need for costly and laborious field testing. This procedure has applications in object detection and tracking for autonomous systems and could be easily extended to systems for underwater imaging or for imaging around corners.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan Leach "Fundamental limits to depth imaging with single-photon detector array sensors", Proc. SPIE PC12512, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques XVII, PC125120B (15 June 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2666433

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available