초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for imaging a scene. The method and apparatus are capable of resolving 3D spatial structure within the scene. The apparatus includes a light source, a timing system and a detector system. The light source emits pulses of light toward the object or target scene being imaged. In

A method and apparatus for imaging a scene. The method and apparatus are capable of resolving 3D spatial structure within the scene. The apparatus includes a light source, a timing system and a detector system. The light source emits pulses of light toward the object or target scene being imaged. In one embodiment, the light source is a laser. In another embodiment, the detector system includes an optical system and a monolithic array of light detectors operating in non-linear Geiger-mode. The optical system collects a portion of the light scattered off of objects in the target scene and directs the collected light toward the array of light detectors. In another embodiment, the detector system includes an optical system and a single light detector operating in non-linear Geiger-mode. In this embodiment, the optical system scans the target scene, collects a portion of the light scattered off of objects in the target scene and directs the collected light toward the light detector.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for measuring an object, comprising:a light source emitting pulses of light toward the object;a timing system in electrical communication with said light source; anda detector system in electrical communication with said timing system, said detector system fu

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for measuring an object, comprising:a light source emitting pulses of light toward the object;a timing system in electrical communication with said light source; anda detector system in electrical communication with said timing system, said detector system further comprising:a monolithic array of light detectors operating in non-linear Geiger-mode; andan optical system collecting a portion of the light scattered off of the object and directing the collected light toward said array of light detectors.