Development of pulsed-laser three-dimensional imaging flash lidar using APD arrays

Over the past two decades, pulsed-laser three-dimensional imaging flash lidar using avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays has attracted extensive research interest due to its great potential for both military and civilian applications. This invited paper gives a brief review of the state-of-art pulsed-laser three-dimensional imaging flash lidar using APD arrays. The principle of the pulsed-laser three-dimensional imaging flash lidar using APD arrays is briefly introduced. According to the working mode of the APD arrays, we divide the current flash lidar into two types: the linear-mode and the Geiger-mode. The performances of the pulsed-laser three-dimensional imaging flash lidar using APD arrays working at linear-mode and the Geiger-mode are summarized. The opportunities and challenges in this field are also discussed. This review is expected to provide a snapshot of the current landscape of flash lidar using APD arrays to attract more interest in this field.