Toward a 3-D camera based on single photon avalanche diodes

A three-dimensional (3-D) imager is presented, capable of computing the depth map as well as the intensity scale of a given scene. The heart of the system is a two-dimensional array of single photon avalanche diodes fabricated in standard CMOS technology. The diodes exhibit low-noise equivalent-power high-dynamic range, and superior linearity. The 3-D imager achieves submillimetric precision at a depth-of-field of a few meters. This precision was achieved by averaging over 10 000 measurements. The imager operates using a standard laser source pulsed at 50 MHz with 40-mW peak power and requires no mechanical scanning mechanisms or expensive optical equipment.