Neuromorphic Single Photon Sensing

During this project the student will develop a revolutionary new form of 3D imaging technology capable of delivering microsecond response times. The fundamental principle works by combining single photon detection with nature inspired optics and data processing mimicking that within our brains in a unique way. This will be enabled by recent developments in Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) arrays and Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), a breed of artificial neural network that has been specifically designed to closely mimic the activity of the brain. These two components have been selected due to their high level of complementarity, the single photon "spikes" emitted by the SPADs form the ideal input for an SNN and both can act asynchronously, ensuring optimal response times. Being able to achieve this with minimal latency is a critical challenge in autonomous driving. Reducing the reaction time from 670ms (human driver) down to almost negligible timescales will allow driverless and driver assisted cars to make life-saving decisions automatically.