3D imaging and ranging by time-correlated single photon counting

3D imaging is an important tool for metrology and reverse engineering of components and structures in a wide variety of contexts, from automobile and aeroplane manufacture to the creative media and architectural surveying. In this article, we review briefly the principal methods in current use for 3D imaging, then present a new method for time of flight depth measurement, which is more accurate and sensitive than the current techniques. To illustrate its potential, we show a number of examples of 3D data acquired from both small and large objects, taking examples from cars, planes and archaeological artefacts.