High-resolution multispectral three-dimensional profiling using metasurface-enhanced SPAD quanta image sensor

This paper presents a high-resolution, single-photon LIDAR imaging camera capable of performing simultaneous depth and color estimation. It features a time-gated CMOS single photon avalanche diode detector array with a large fill-factor, integrated with a metasurface-based plasmonic color filter array for three-dimensional color imaging. A sliding detector gate enables millimeter-scale depth resolution using as few as two binary planes per step, and high-fidelity color reconstruction is demonstrated from as few as two photons per pixel. This compact, photon-efficient system offers depth-sensitive, multispectral imaging possibilities for many diverse applications such as space exploration, autonomous navigation, augmented/virtual reality, and biomedical imaging.