3D imaging and ranging by time-correlated single photon counting

3D imaging is an important tool for metrology and reverse engineering of components and structures in a wide variety of contexts, from automobile and aeroplane manufacture to creative media and architectural surveying. The authors review briefly the principal methods in current use for 3D imaging, then present a new method for time of flight depth measurement, which is more accurate and sensitive than current techniques. To illustrate its potential, we show a number of examples of 3D data acquired from both small and large objects, taking examples from cars, planes and archaeological artefacts.