Comparison of 16-channel laser photoreceivers for topographic mapping

Michael A. Krainak; Guangning Yang; Xiaoli Sun; Wei Lu; Xiaogang Bai; Ping Yuan; Paul McDonald; Joseph Boisvert; Robyn Woo; Kam Wan; Rengarajan Sudharsanan; Verle Aebi; Derek Sykora; Kenneth Costello

doi:10.1117/12.905149

16 September 2011 Comparison of 16-channel laser photoreceivers for topographic mapping

Michael A. Krainak, Guangning Yang, Xiaoli Sun, Wei Lu, Xiaogang Bai, Ping Yuan, Paul McDonald, Joseph Boisvert, Robyn Woo, Kam Wan, Rengarajan Sudharsanan, Verle Aebi, Derek Sykora, Kenneth Costello

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8155, Infrared Sensors, Devices, and Applications; and Single Photon Imaging II; 81551L (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.905149
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Topographic mapping lidar instruments must be able to detect extremely weak laser return signals from high altitudes including orbital distance. The signals have a wide dynamic range caused by the variability in atmospheric transmission and surface reflectance under a fast moving spacecraft. Ideally, lidar detectors should be able to detect laser signal return pulses at the single photon level and produce linear output for multiple photon events. Silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) detectors have been used in most space lidar receivers to date. Their sensitivity is typically hundreds of photons per pulse, and is limited by the quantum efficiency, APD gain noise, dark current, and preamplifier noise. NASA is pursuing three approaches for a 16-channel laser photoreceiver for use on the next generation direct-detection airborne and spaceborne lidars. We present our measurement results and a comparison of their performance.

Citation Download Citation

Michael A. Krainak, Guangning Yang, Xiaoli Sun, Wei Lu, Xiaogang Bai, Ping Yuan, Paul McDonald, Joseph Boisvert, Robyn Woo, Kam Wan, Rengarajan Sudharsanan, Verle Aebi, Derek Sykora, and Kenneth Costello "Comparison of 16-channel laser photoreceivers for topographic mapping", Proc. SPIE 8155, Infrared Sensors, Devices, and Applications; and Single Photon Imaging II, 81551L (16 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.905149

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