Performance Metrics for Single-Photon Laser Ranging

Shrestha, K.; Slatton, K. Clint; Carter, William E.; Cossio, T.

doi:10.1109/lgrs.2009.2035133

Cited by 11 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…A postprocessing algorithm can identify inflection points in the reconstructed signal associated with these features. Small-footprint LiDARs then provide detailed characterization of vertical structure at high spatial resolution [19]. For fullwaveform ALB, the interface-component signal amplitudes strongly depend on the beam nadir angle, wind speed, and specific irradiated wave slopes, causing surface signals to vary across a large dynamic range [20].…”

Section: Waveform Capturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Daytime operation can cause an increase in solar events, which may be misclassified as surface returns because of the simplified binary structure. Noise must be kept to a minimum at high amplification through careful selection of spatial, spectral, and temporal filters [19].…”

Section: Waveform Capturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moving to an LSNR detection paradigm can successfully pair highly sensitive photodetectors such as the microchannel plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT) with cost-effective lowpower microchip lasers to achieve mixed-feature mapping [15], [19], [26], [27]. A photodetector such as the avalanche photodiode (APD) or PMT needs to employ substantial amplification (> 10 4 ) to magnify low amounts of this backscattered energy (< 1 fJ or < 2.675 · 10 3 photons at 532 nm) into a measurable signal.…”

Section: A Lsnr Lidar Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser is used to create 532-nm, 3.5-μJ pulses at 8 kHz. The division of the primary beam into an evenly spaced array (10 × 10) of 35-nJ beamlets creates dense spot spacing (∼20 cm) at a flying height of 600 m. Additional device specifications and parameters necessary for precise temporal, spatial, and spectral filtering were described in a previous work [19]. We now present a ranging capability assessment based on static experiments.…”

Section: A Ranging Capability Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2) Minimum Separation Distance, Bathymetric Mapping Depth, and Atmospheric Scattering: Performance metrics were assessed in further static experiments [19] to determine values for minimum separation distance, bathymetric mapping depth, and atmospheric scattering. These results show that a secondary surface intercepted by a partially occluded laser beam can be detected at a distance of 15 cm.…”

Section: A Ranging Capability Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Shallow Bathymetric Mapping via Multistop Single Photoelectron Sensitivity Laser Ranging

Shrestha

Carter

Slatton

et al. 2012

IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sensing

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We discuss the optimization of components in a single-wavelength airborne laser bathymeter that is intended for a low-power unmanned aerial vehicle platform. The theoretical minimum energy requirement to detect the submerged sea floor in shallow (< 5 m) water using a low signal-to-noise ratio (LSNR) detection methodology is calculated. Results are presented from tests of a prototype light detection and ranging (LiDAR) instrument that was developed by the University of Florida, Gainesville. A green wavelength (532 nm), 100-beamlet, low-energy (35-nJ/beamlet), short-pulse (480 ps) laser ranging system was operated from a low-altitude (500-m) aircraft, with a multichannel sensor that is capable of single photoelectron sensitivity and multiple stops. Data that were collected during tests display vertical structure in shallow-water areas based on fixed threshold crossings at a single-photon sensitivity level. A major concern for the binary detection strategy is the reliable identification and removal of noise events. Potential causes of ranging errors related to photomultiplier tube afterpulsing, impedance mismatching, and gain block overdrive are described. Data collection/processing solutions based on local density estimation are explored. Previous studies on LSNR performance metrics showed that short (15-cm) dead time could be expected in the case of multiple scattering objects, indicating the possibility of seamless topographic/bathymetric mapping with minimal discontinuity at the waterline. LiDAR depth estimates from airborne profiles are compared to on-site measurements, and near-shore submerged feature identification is presented.Index Terms-Airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM), bathymetry, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), photonics.

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Section: Waveform Capturementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Waveform Capturementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: A Lsnr Lidar Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: A Ranging Capability Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: A Ranging Capability Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Shallow Bathymetric Mapping via Multistop Single Photoelectron Sensitivity Laser Ranging

Shrestha

Carter

Slatton

et al. 2012

IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sensing

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A novel hybrid TOF/phase-shift method for absolute distance measurement using a falling-edge RF-modulated pulsed laser

Yang

Zhao

Zhang

et al. 2019

Optics & Laser Technology

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Geodetic imaging with airborne LiDAR: the Earth's surface revealed

Glennie¹,

Carter²,

Shrestha³

et al. 2013

Rep. Prog. Phys.

151

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The past decade has seen an explosive increase in the number of peer reviewed papers reporting new scientific findings in geomorphology (including fans, channels, floodplains and landscape evolution), geologic mapping, tectonics and faulting, coastal processes, lava flows, hydrology (especially snow and runoff routing), glaciers and geo-archaeology. A common genesis of such findings is often newly available decimeter resolution 'bare Earth' geodetic images, derived from airborne laser swath mapping, a.k.a. airborne LiDAR, observations. In this paper we trace nearly a half century of advances in geodetic science made possible by space age technology, such as the invention of short-pulse-length high-pulse-rate lasers, solid state inertial measurement units, chip-based high speed electronics and the GPS satellite navigation system, that today make it possible to map hundreds of square kilometers of terrain in hours, even in areas covered with dense vegetation or shallow water. To illustrate the impact of the LiDAR observations we present examples of geodetic images that are not only stunning to the eye, but help researchers to develop quantitative models explaining how terrain evolved to its present form, and how it will likely change with time. Airborne LiDAR technology continues to develop quickly, promising ever more scientific discoveries in the years ahead.

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Performance Metrics for Single-Photon Laser Ranging

Cited by 11 publications

References 9 publications

Shallow Bathymetric Mapping via Multistop Single Photoelectron Sensitivity Laser Ranging

Shallow Bathymetric Mapping via Multistop Single Photoelectron Sensitivity Laser Ranging

A novel hybrid TOF/phase-shift method for absolute distance measurement using a falling-edge RF-modulated pulsed laser

Geodetic imaging with airborne LiDAR: the Earth's surface revealed

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