Long-range LiDAR depth and intensity imaging using a micro-scanned single-photon detector array

Sub-pixel micro-scanning is used to increase the sampling of an imaging system, by taking multiple images of a scene from different sub-pixel locations and combining them into a single composite image using an advanced image processing algorithm. We have applied this method to a single-photon light detection and ranging system based on the time-correlated single-photon counting technique, operating at a wavelength of 1550 nm. Using a 32 × 32 single-photon detector array, the sub-pixel micro-scanning method allowed for composite depth maps and intensity profiles of up to 512 × 512 pixels for targets at distance of 325 meters. We will discuss the effect of micro-scanning on image enhancement.