Series in
MICROSYSTEMS
edited by P. A. Besse,
J. Brugger,
M. Gijs,
R. S. Popovic,
Ph. Renaud
Vol. 25:
Cristiano Niclass
Single-Photon
Image Sensors in CMOS:
Picosecond Resolution for
Three-Dimensional Imaging.
2008. VIII, 251 p.; € 64,00.
ISBN-10: 3-86628-220-6
ISBN-13: 978-3-86628-220-9
This book presents
a new concept for imaging and, in particular, for 3D imaging, based on single-photon
detection. In this approach, single-photon detection is performed by a device
known as single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD). Large arrays of SPADs were
demonstrated for the first time in this investigation and time resolutions
consistently in the picosecond range were achieved. It has thus become feasible
to design solid-state 3D imagers with millimeter depth perception based on the
time-of-flight principle.
Initially, large arrays of SPAD devices and associated circuitry have
been investigated in a 0.8µm CMOS technology. Subsequently, a technology
migration of SPADs towards deep-submicron CMOS has been successfully achieved. For
the first time, SPADs in 0.35µm and 0.13µm CMOS technologies were designed and
characterized. With the aim of enabling high-performance system-on-a-chip
implementations using single-photon detectors, appropriate front-end and
ancillary circuits utilized in the detection, measurement, and storage of
time-of-flight evaluations have been introduced.
3D image sensors based on a pulsed detection technique known as
time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) are investigated. Furthermore,
in order to diversify range imaging schemes based on single-photon detectors to
operate with continuously modulated optical signals, a detection technique
called single-photon synchronous detection (SPSD) has been introduced.
About the Author:
Cristiano Niclass received the M.
Sc. degree in microtechnology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
(EPFL), Lausanne, in 2003. After his graduation, he worked as a part-time
R&D engineer until May 2006, for Ingenico (Suisse) SA. In May 2003, he
joined the Processor Architecture Laboratory of EPFL, where he worked toward
the Ph.D. degree. At EPFL, he has investigated the design, implementation, and
characterization of fully integrated image sensors in CMOS using single-photon
avalanche diodes. He has also been involved in the design of high-speed and
high-resolution data converters implemented in conventional technologies. In
2005, he has spent two months at the Information System Laboratory of Stanford
University, where he has studied conventional image sensors in CMOS. In 2008,
he obtained his Ph.D. degree from EPFL for his work on single-photon image
sensors in CMOS. Dr. Niclass has authored and co-authored nearly 30
peer-reviewed journal and conference publications. He is also the inventor and
co-inventor in seven patent applications.
Keywords: Solid-state 3D
imaging, 3D image sensor, 3D camera, flash camera, time-of-flight, rangefinder,
range imaging, depth sensor, single-photon detector, avalanche photodiode, SPAD,
GAPD, APD, TCSPC, SPSD.
Direkt bestellen bei / to order directly from: Hartung.Gorre@t-online.de