Feasibility study to determine correct focus by analyzing photon distributions on Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode focal plane array

A method to determine correct focus in direct detection laser radar system using Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode focal plane array (GmAPD-FPA) is proposed. It is implemented by laser pulses with controlled beam diameter and energy on a distant target. And the time-of-flight (TOF) of laser pulses are obtained for each pixel in GmAPD-FPA. With multiple laser pulses, time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) is carried out to obtain target detection probability. Using target detection probabilities of each pixel, the photon distribution on GmAPD-FPA is acquired. The condition to determine correct focus is the minimum photon distribution in GmAPD-FPA. In theory part, the range of laser pulse energy is decided. The experiments are carried out with commercial 1x8 pixel GmAPD-FPA. The experimental results show that the focus position is founded using this method and a spatial resolution of a laser radar system is improved where the 1x8 pixel GmAPD-FPA is located in focus position.