Comparison of background-rejection techniques for SPAD-based LiDAR systems

Abstract

We present the results of Montecarlo simulations and measurements focusing on the analysis of two techniques aimed at reducing the negative effect of background light in Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD)-based Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) systems. The first technique, known as photon coincidence technique, exploits the temporal proximity of multiple detections to reject background light and maximize the detection of photons belonging to the target reflection. The second technique, named Auto-Sensitivity (AS) technique, reduces the photon-detection probability (PDP) if a certain background illumination level is detected, to avoid the risk of saturating SPADs due to intense background level. The two methods are first compared to each other, showing that the photon coincidence technique outperforms the AS technique. Then, the two techniques are operated together, resulting in an increase of the maximum achievable measurement range if the AS technique is applied on top of the photon coincidence technique.