Photon-Counting Imaging System for Ultra-Low Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current night vision systems are ineffective in extremely low-light conditions, such as those found in caves or the interior of structures, as they operate below the noise floor of 10−5 lux, rendering them useless in environments where enemies equipped with current-generation night vision systems are effectively blind.
Innovation Solution
A low-light imaging system utilizing uncooled solid-state photon-counting sensors with thresholded avalanche photodiode pixels and an energy-efficient parallel multicore image processor, which detects and counts individual photons, and correlates data with inertial sensors to enable effective imaging in low-light environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If current night vision systems are used, then imaging is possible in low-light conditions, but the system becomes ineffective below 10^-5 lux due to noise floor limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from intensity-based detection to photon-counting detection, allowing the system to operate at extremely low light levels (below 10^-5 lux) by counting individual photons rather than measuring continuous light intensity, thereby overcoming the noise floor limitation of conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cooling system (cryogenic cooling) with an uncooled solid-state photon-counting sensor, eliminating the need for complex cooling infrastructure while maintaining the ability to detect individual photons at extremely low light levels
2Illumination intensity
If cryogenic cooling is used to enable photon detection, then imaging sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the cryogenic cooling system from the imaging device, replacing it with uncooled solid-state photon-counting sensors that operate at ambient temperatures, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining photon-detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The uncooled solid-state photon-counting sensors are designed to operate autonomously at ambient temperatures without requiring external cooling infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and suitable for deployment on small platforms such as miniature UAVs or dismounted soldiers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables functional vision in conditions as low as 10−5 lux without the need for cryogenic cooling, suitable for small platforms like miniature UAVs or dismounted soldiers, providing enhanced situational awareness and effective mission execution.
Implementation Method 1
thresholded avalanche photodiode pixels
Implementation Method 2
detects and counts individual photons
Data Source
AI summary
A method for low-light imaging may include, but is not limited to: detecting one or more photons via the least one photon-counting sensor; determining an orientation of at least one photon-counting sensor; and correlating data associated with the at least one photon-counting sensor with the orientation of the at least one photon-counting sensor. A system for low-light imaging may include, but is not limited to: one or more photon-counting sensors configured for detecting one or more photons via the least one photon-counting sensor; one or more inertial sensors; and at least one processing unit configured for: determining an orientation of at least one photon-counting sensor and correlating data associated with the at least one photon-counting sensor with the orientation of the at least one photon-counting sensor.