Optical design and evaluation of athree-dimensional imaging and ranging systembased on time-correlated single-photon counting

The design and operation of a noncontact surface profilometry system based on the time-correlated single-photon-counting technique are described. This system has a robust optomechanical design and uses an eye-safe laser that makes it particularly suitable for operation in an uncontrolled industrial environment. The sensitivity of the photon-counting technique permits its use on a variety of target materials, and its mode of operation does not require the continual presence of an operator. The system described has been optimized for a 1–25-m standoff, has a distance repeatability of 30 m, and has a transverse spatial resolution of 60 m at a 2-m standoff and 400 m at a 13-m standoff. © 2002 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 010.4450, 290.5850, 290.4020.