Design of 3D laser imaging receiver based on 8×8 APD detector array

In order to realize scannerless three dimensional(3D) laser imaging and analyze system parameters impact on ranging precision, a 3D imaging receiver with 8×8 elements is implemented. The receiver utilizes linear mode APD array. Analog signal amplification and threshold processing is applied to convert the optical signal to digital pulse. Then a 64 channel time to digital convertor array is implemented in FPGA, and 3D laser imaging receiver is invented which can acquire 3D information of target in real-time. First the principle of 3D imaging and construction of the receiver is introduced, including procedure and implementation of the array signal processing. Then electrical test and 3D imaging experiment are carried out for FPGA timing unit and receiver respectively, which indicate a timing resolution of 140 ps and range resolution of 0.2 m. At last, range resolution error is analyzed and we come to the conclusion that laser pulse energy fluctuation is the main error source.