Comparison of 16-Channel Laser Photoreceivers for Topographic Mapping

Topographic mapping lidar instruments must be able to detect extremely weak laser return signals from high altitudes including orbital distance. The signals have a wide dynamic range caused by the variability in atmospheric transmission and surface reflectance under a fast moving spacecraft. Ideally, lidar detectors should be able to detect laser signal return pulses at the single photon level and produce linear output for multiple photon events. Silicon avalanche photodiode (APO) detectors have been used in most space lidar receivers to date. Their sensitivity is typically hundreds of photons per pulse, and is limited by the quantum efficiency, APO gain noise, dark current, and preamplifier noise. NASA is pursuing three approaches for a 16-channel laser photoreceiver for use on the next generation direct-detection airborne and spacebome lidars. We present our measurement results and a comparison of their performance