Geiger-Mode Lidar Camera
The BAE Systems built Geiger-mode Avalanche Photodiode (GmAPD) cameras provide Lidar systems with unparalleled performance, supporting non-conventional and event-based imaging; Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR); and commercial mission needs. Our multi-pixel format arrays are capable of precise single-photon time-of-flight (TOF) detection and provide orders of magnitude improvement in resolution and data collection speeds, enabling uniformed service members to confidently navigate obstacles and discriminate objects of interest at long distances. Whether your needs are for government, military lidar, terrain following/mapping, space or commercial use, these unique Geiger-mode cameras get the job done.
Overview
Trusted as a leading provider of advanced space-based, airborne grade and commercial electro-optic sensing systems for over four decades, BAE Systems expands its Lidar capabilities through research, development and production of shortwave infrared (SWIR) GmAPD sensors and cameras. Our sensors provide unmatched aerial coverage and point collection rates; precise time-of-flight detection; and single photon sensitivity for systems and payloads limited by size, weight and power (SWaP). BAE Systems manufactures standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cameras and develops custom, advanced multi-pixel photon sensitive, Geiger-mode Lidar sensors and systems.
Applications
- Object detection, acquisition, tracking and pointing
- 3D mapping and ISR tactical imaging at high altitudes and extended stand-off ranges
- Direct, coherent and passive detection sensing capabilities
- Free-space, low probability of intercept, low probability of detection, optical and quantum communications
Performance
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Synchronous 128×32 pixel camera for 3D point cloud imaging
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Asynchronous 32×32 pixel camera for applications requiring continuous 3D integration at fast reset times
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Broadband 1.0 μm to 1.6 μm as well as narrowband syntactically correct 1.0 μm or 1.5 μm wavelength sensor options
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Thermoelectric cooler (TEC) temperature controlled with air or liquid cooling
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CameraLink, CoaXPress or custom electrical and data interface options
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Custom sensor and camera development
Advantages
Unlike a conventional linear-mode Lidar receiver that requires approximately tens of thousands of photons returned per pixel, our Geiger-mode sensors offer superior sensitivity and unique advantages for active and passive sensor systems.
The camera detects single photons and measures a fraction of transmitted pulses that register a photon return. This innovative method allows a GmAPD-based Lidar system to be implemented with significantly lower energy-per-pulse transmitters. Camera sensitivity combined with precise time-of-flight detection enables significant performance gains with increased range, faster acquisition rates at high duty cycles and lower system SWaP and cost. Our camera technology allows the creation of an accurate 3D representation of wide-area terrain and offers the ability to confidently navigate dense foliage and other obscurants at significantly longer distances.
The BAE Systems Geiger-mode camera can be used with various complex military systems on a variety of platforms, including crewed aircraft, autonomous aerial vehicles and systems, terrestrial fighter vehicles and more. For platforms that already have a camera installed, BAE Systems offers reliable and cost-effective system upgrades, repairs and replacements.
| Camera | Sync | Async |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 128x32 | 32x32 |
| Pixel Pitch | 50 um | 65.8 um hexagonal |
| Frame Rate (max) | 90 kHz* | Continuous or Framed |
| Range Depth (max) | 6 km | Unlimited |
| Range Resolution | 7.5 cm (500 ps)** | 4.8 cm (320 ps) |
| Pixel Reset | ~7 us | ~0.5 to 5 us (reconfigurable) |
| Volume | 900 cm^3 | 1000 cm^3 |
| Weight | 1.3 kg | 1.5 kg |
| Power (at saturation) | 18 W | <50 W |
| * Up to 115 kHz with reduced range depth **250 ps in the future product offering |
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