Remote Sensing Impact of Single-Photon Sensitive Airborne Lidar Systems Based on Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photodiode Arrays

Development of large format photon-counting Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (Gm-APD) focal plane arrays by MIT Lincoln Laboratory [1] has revolutionized airborne lidar 3D mapping capability. Lincoln Laboratory has developed multiple generations of Gm-APD based airborne lidar systems for US government customers that are capable of collecting 3D data from high-altitudes (> 6 km) with higharea collection rates (100’s km
²
/hr) at point densities (~ 100 point/m
²
) and vertical resolutions of 18 cm. These systems have been used operationally for a variety of missions that include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, support for military operations and imaging under heavy forest canopy obscuration. This paper briefly reviews the key enabling technology, Gm-APD focal plane arrays and the airborne 3D remote sensing capabilities they enable. It then presents examples of how these systems have delivered operational impact across the aforementioned mission.