Experimental study of photo counting imaging based on APD

Photo counting imaging is a promising imaging method for very low-level-light condition and super high-speed imaging. An experimental setup with Geiger mode silicon avalanche photodiode single-photon counter was established in this study. This experimental setup achieved photon counting imaging through serial two-dimensional scanning mode of single APD. It extracts the extremely weak signal from the noise by scanning image, and then reconstructs the photon distribution image. The feasibility of the experiment platform was verified with many experiments. The resolution bar was scanned and imaged in different lighting condition. A Lena image was also scanned and imaged among several illumination conditions. The resolution ability and imaging quality are evaluated in different illumination surroundings. The imaging limited condition was concluded based on existing APD sensor. The experimental result indicates that the imaging based Geiger mode APD is an excellent candidate for very low level light imaging.