Single-photon depth imaging for underwater target discrimination

A single-photon depth imaging system is investigated to discriminate man-made targets from vegetation in cluttered underwater scenarios using multiple wavelength measurements. The depth imaging system is based on the Time-Correlated Single-Photon Counting (TCSPC) technique and the time of flight approach. The discrimination of the man-made targets within the cluttered scenario was accomplished by comparing the intensity responses of two wavelengths and exploiting the red edge of plants to declutter the depth profiles of the target area. The presentation will show the results of laboratory-based experiments, and the analysis performed to identify objects hidden by marine vegetation in the scanned scene. The accuracy of the technique was tested with different target materials and a variety of marine plants