title: Three-dimensional imaging laser radar with a photon-counting avalanche photodiode array and microchip laser.
abstract: We have developed a threedimensional imaging laser radar featuring 3-cm range resolution and single-photon sensitivity. This prototype direct-detection laser radar employs compact, all-solid-state technology for the laser and detector array. The source is a Nd:YAG microchip laser that is diode pumped, passively Q-switched, and frequency doubled. The detector is a gated, passively quenched, two-dimensional array of silicon avalanche photodiodes operating in Geigermode. After describing the system in detail, we present a three-dimensional image, derive performance characteristics, and discuss our plans for future imaging three-dimensional laser radars.
authors.affiliation: Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02420-9108, USA. albota@ll.mit.edu
authors.forename: Marius A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Albota
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Heinrichs
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Kocher
authors.forename: Daniel G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Fouche
authors.forename: Brian E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Player
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Brian F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Aull
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Zayhowski
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mooney
authors.forename: Berton C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Willard
authors.forename: Robert R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Carlson