Laser depth measurement based on time-correlated single-photon counting

Abstract

A method for acquiring range data based on time-correlated single-photon counting is described. This method uses a short-pulse ( approximately 10-ps) laser diode, a detector based on a silicon single-photon avalanche diode, and standard photon-counting timing electronics. The accuracy of the technique has been measured as approximately +/-30 microm in a laboratory experiment and corresponds closely to the results of a theoretical simulation.