3D imaging lasers for data collection of dynamic scenes
Publish date: 2010-11-16
Report number: FOI-R--3041--SE
Pages: 19
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- 3D imaging sensor
- sensor system
- laser radar
- detector
Abstract
There are several laser radar systems on the market that can be used for data collection of dynamic scenarios. This is a result of the research and development that have been conducted the last 10-15 years. These sensors can, some in video rate, collect intensity and range data and from that data a 3D image of the scene can be generated. The type of measurement technique in the sensors vary, it depends on the selected detector tech-nique. Due to the development in electronic circuits it is today possible to scan spa-tially or in range at speeds that makes it possible to track moving targets. Another way to retrieve 3D data from a scene is to use a laser with an aperture that covers the entire scene and an array detector where each element contains range measurement capabil-ity. The challenge for these sensors is to create arrays with a large number of elements that have high time/range resolution and high sensibility (down to single photons). Compared to a typical thermal IR camera, these detectors have 100 times higher sensi-bility and 10.000 times faster response times. It was the development of detectors that can collect and store huge data amounts fast enough (µs-ms) that made 3D-imaging in video rate possible. The detectors are used in various ways in sensors. In this report we describe the sensor types that either is used or interesting to use in military applica-tions. In the report, we first define different types of data collection for dynamic scenarios. The sensor types are describes shortly. The report only discuss laser sensors in the SWIR range (1-3 µm), where most operate in 1.5 µm to achieve eye safety. We discuss the current development status and what possibilities these sensors can open in military and safety applications.