Priedhorsky W C, Smith R C, Ho C
Appl Opt. 1996 Jan 20;35(3):441-52. doi: 10.1364/AO.35.000441.
We propose a new technique for remote sensing: photon-counting laser mapping. MicroChannel plate detectors with a crossed delay-line (MCP/CDL) readout combine high position accuracy and subnanosecond photon timing, at event rates of 10(6) detected photons per second and more. A mapping system would combine an MCP/CDL detector with a fast-pulse, high-repetition-rate laser illuminator. The system would map solid targets with exceptional in-range and cross-range resolution. The resulting images would be intrinsically three dimensional, without resorting to multiple viewing angles, so that objects of identical albedo could be discriminated. For a detector time resolution and pulse width of the order of 10(-10) s, the in-range resolution would be a few centimeters, permitting the discrimination of surfaces by their textures. Images could be taken at night, at illumination levels up to full moonlight, from ground, airborne, or space platforms. We discuss signal to noise as a function of laser flux and background level and present simulated images.
光子计数激光测绘。带有交叉延迟线读出的微通道板探测器（MCP/CDL）结合了高精度的位置测量和亚纳秒级的光子计时能力，每秒能检测到10^6个及更多光子。一个测绘系统将把一个MCP/CDL探测器与一个快脉冲、高重复率的激光照明器结合起来。该系统将以卓越的距离分辨率和横向分辨率对固态目标进行测绘。所得到的图像将本质上是三维的，无需借助多个视角，这样就能区分具有相同反照率的物体。对于探测器时间分辨率和脉冲宽度为10^-10秒量级的情况，距离分辨率将为几厘米，从而能够根据表面纹理来区分不同表面。图像可以在夜间、高达满月光照水平下，从地面、空中或太空平台获取。我们讨论了信噪比作为激光通量和背景水平的函数，并展示了模拟图像。
