Laser Ranging Bathymetry Using a Photon-Number-Resolving Detector

The sensitivity and robustness against background noise of optical measurements, and specifically range-finding, can be improved by detecting the light with photon-number-resolving detectors (PNRD). We use a PNRD to detect single pulse reflections from the seabed level in the presence of high attenuation of the sea water. Measurements are performed from above the sea level, overcoming broad daylight conditions. We demonstrate continuous measurement of the seabed depth up to around 24 m, using laser pulse energies of 10 μJ, while sailing at speed of 2.2 knots. Additionally, we use these data to extract values of the refractive index and optical attenuation in coastal seawater. The method could be used as a novel and optically-accurate bathymetry tool for coastal research and underwater sensing applications.