Researchers have developed the first megapixel photon-counting camera based on new-generation image sensor technology that uses single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). The new camera can detect single photons of light at unprecedented speeds, a capability that could advance applications that require fast acquisition of 3D images such as lidar systems for autonomous vehicles.
The research team published their results in Optica, The Optical Society’s (OSA) journal describing the way of creating one of the smallest SPAD pixels ever with devised and reduced power consumption of each pixel to less than 1 microwatt while maintaining speed and timing precision. The new camera can acquire images at up to 24 kiloframes per second. For comparison, 30 frames per second is the standard rate used to record video for television.