Photon counting altimeter and lidar for air and spaceborne applications

Michael Vacek; Vojtech Michalek; Marek Peca; Ivan Prochazka; Josef Blazej; Jan Kodet

doi:10.1117/12.886454

6 May 2011 Photon counting altimeter and lidar for air and spaceborne applications

Michael Vacek, Vojtech Michalek, Marek Peca, Ivan Prochazka, Josef Blazej, Jan Kodet

Proceedings Volume 8072, Photon Counting Applications, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information Transfer and Processing III; 80720B (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.886454
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

We are presenting the concept and preliminary design of modular multipurpose device for space segment: single photon counting laser altimeter, atmospheric lidar, laser transponder and one way laser ranging receiver. For all the mentioned purposes, the same compact configuration of the device is appropriate. Overall estimated device weight should not exceed 5 kg with the power consumption below 10 W. The device will consists of three main parts, namely, receiver, transmitter and control and processing unit. As a transmitter a commercial solid state laser at 532 nm wavelength with 10 mW power will be used. The transmitter optics will have a diameter at most of 50 mm. The laser pulse width will be of hundreds of picoseconds order. For the laser altimeter and atmospheric lidar application, the repetition rate of 10 kHz is planned in order to obtain sufficient number of data for a distance value computing. The receiver device will be composed of active quenched Single Photon Avalanche Diode module, tiny optics, and narrow-band optical filter. The core part of the control and processing unit including high precision timing unit is implemented using single FPGA chip. The preliminary device concept includes considerations on energy balance, and statistical algorithms to meet all the mentioned purposes. Recently, the bread board version of the device is under construction in our labs. The concept, construction, and timing results will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Michael Vacek, Vojtech Michalek, Marek Peca, Ivan Prochazka, Josef Blazej, and Jan Kodet "Photon counting altimeter and lidar for air and spaceborne applications", Proc. SPIE 8072, Photon Counting Applications, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information Transfer and Processing III, 80720B (6 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.886454

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