Intensity Calibration of a MCT-APD Sensor for a Flash Lidar System

Flash LiDARs have been described as key components for future space missions including rover operations and the descent and landing of spacecraft. The system records full 3D-images along with 2D intensity images with a single laser pulse, thus eliminating the need for a scanning device. There is a vast literature and well-established techniques concerning radiometric calibration (2D information). However, the illumination of the target is usually considered uniform, which is not the case for increasingly larger focal plane arrays (FPA). In this article we propose a intensity calibration scheme for CEA-LETIs LiDAR prototype in order to compensate the nonuniform illumination of the target and present the first enhanced results based on data acquired under laboratory conditions.