Previous efforts to develop 3D laser radar (ladar) imagers have required multiple laser pulses and complex stable scanning and timing systems in order to generate images. This paper describes an approach that will enable a complete 3D ladar image (angle-angle-range) to be captured with a single pulse. Using a unique processor chip that is bump bonded directly behind the detector array, the sensor provides separate independent range finder circuitry for each pixel. The time-of-flight for each pixel is recorded on the chip and the values are then read out serially. This approach allows the range resolution to be determined by the laser pulse width and electronics bandwidth and to be independent of image framing rates. This paper will discuss the design, laboratory tests and present the status of the imager that will be assembled for field demonstrations. The specifications of the demonstration unit are for a 64 X 64 pixel imager with a resolution of .3 X .3 X .3 meters (1 X 1 X 1 feet). The system is expected to operate at approximately video framing rates (30 frames per second) and the resulting image will be displayed in a false color picture on the processor monitor.

Date Published: 26 June 1996
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 2748, Laser Radar Technology and Applications, (26 June 1996); doi: 10.1117/12.243573

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2748:
Laser Radar Technology and Applications
Gary W. Kamerman, Editor(s)