title: Optical design and evaluation of a three-dimensional imaging and ranging system based on time-correlated single-photon counting.
abstract: The design and operation of a noncontact surface profilometry system based on the time-correlated single-photon-counting technique are described. This system has a robust optomechanical design and uses an eye-safe laser that makes it particularly suitable for operation in an uncontrolled industrial environment. The sensitivity of the photon-counting technique permits its use on a variety of target materials, and its mode of operation does not require the continual presence of an operator. The system described has been optimized for a 1-25-m standoff, has a distance repeatability of <30 microm, and has a transverse spatial resolution of approximately 60 microm at a 2-m standoff and approximately 400 microm at a 13-m standoff.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Massa
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Buller
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cova
authors.forename: Manickam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Umasuthan
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wallace