Single-photon infrared waveguide-based upconversion imaging

Gawith, Corin, Smith, Ruaridh, McKnight, Loyd, Ndagano, Bienvenu, Redonnet-Brown, Guillaume, White, Henry, Weaver, Amelia and Astill, Andrew (2022) Single-photon infrared waveguide-based upconversion imaging. Electro-optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications XIX, Estrel Hall C5, Berlin, Germany.

Abstract

Frequency upconversion, where infrared light is converted to shorter wavelengths through use of sum-frequency generation in a nonlinear crystal, offers a route to deploying efficient silicon single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) for applications in the mid-infrared. SPAD detectors do not yet exist in the mid-infrared, therefore, upconversion opens-up a range of new imaging modalities. This includes the possibility for efficient imaging capitalising on the high quantum efficiency and signal-noise of SPADs and time-gating for precise depth 3D imaging in the mid-infrared. We have developed an upconversion-based imaging system using a novel Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) waveguide fabrication process, for efficient frequency conversion, and a SPAD for time-gating applications. The waveguide offers high-efficiency conversion for low-levels of signal light. A short-pulse infrared raster-scanning active imaging system was developed that collects infrared signal light. This signal is combined with high-power continuous-wave pump light in the PPLN waveguide. In combination with single-photon time-gating, 3D images of various scenes of interest were captured with a portable imaging system.

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Contributors

Author: Corin Gawith

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