An analytical model from physical parameters to minimum ranging time for photon-counting LiDARs

Long-distance light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has been highly demanded for applications on unmanned vehicles and drones. CMOS-fabricated single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) play a key role in the receiver end due to their high photo-sensitivity and readiness for system-on-chip integration. However, the large amounts of involved components together with the diverse ranging conditions make engineering and optimizing these modules a daunting challenge. In this work, we have developed an analytical model for calculating minimum ranging time from the physical parameters for a photon-counting LiDAR. The experimental verifications of the model have been performed and a good consistency has been obtained. Our work enables architecture design and optimization for making low-cost high-performance SPAD LiDARs.