Long-range three-dimensional active imaging with superresolution depth mapping

We present a technique to overcome the depth resolution limitation for 3D active imaging. Applying microsecond laser pulses and sensor gate width, a scene of several hundred meters is illuminated and recorded in a single image. The trapezoid-shaped range intensity profile is analyzed to obtain both the reflectivity and the depth of scene. We demonstrate a 3D scene reconstruction in a depth of 650 to 1550 m from only three images with an accuracy of <30 m. This depth accuracy is 10 times better than estimated from the classical resolution limit obtained for depth scanning active imaging with a similar number of images. Therefore, this technique enables superresolution depth mapping with a reduction of image data processing.