The development of a correlation-assisted direct time-of-flight (CA-dToF) pixel provides a novel solution for time-of-flight applications that combines low power consumption, robust ambient shot noise suppression, and a compact design. However, the pixel’s implementation introduces systematic errors, affecting its performance. We investigate the pixel’s robustness against various noise sources, including timing jitter, kTC noise, switching noise, and photon shot noise. Additionally, we address limitations such as the SPAD deadtime, and source follower gain mismatch and offset, identifying their impact on performance. The paper also proposes solutions to enhance the pixel’s overall reliability and to improve the pixel’s implementation.

Unlike radio-frequency (RF) systems, including Wi-Fi and cellular networks, which encounter interference, bandwidth limitations, network congestion, and security vulnerabilities, Vehicular Visible Light Communication (V-VLC) offers a compelling alternative as a communication medium. Its unlicensed spectrum, extensive bandwidth, energy efficiency, and existing transmitters render it a promising option for vehicular communication in the context of Intelligent Transportation Systems. By integrating V-VLC with traditional RF communication systems, a vast ecosystem of interconnected vehicles can be realised, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency for future fleets of (autonomous) vehicles. Despite successful integration of VLC in indoor environments, further investigation is required for outdoor applications. This study examines current channel modelling approaches for V-VLC within the framework of Intelligent Transportation Systems. Through a review of the literature within the period between 2013 and 2024 the advancements of V-VLC as a valuable addition to vehicular networks, with a specific emphasis on photometric aspects of the optical channel models, are assessed.

Fluorescence-guided surgery is a significant advancement in medical imaging, particularly for distinguishing malignant from healthy tissue during cancer surgery. Recent advancements in endoscopy technology and fluorescence-lifetime (FLT) imaging can provide better insight into identifying abnormal tissues during surgery than white light endoscopy imaging. Current imaging systems used in fluorescence-guided surgery are primarily designed to provide surgeons with a combined view of natural color (RGB) images and fluorescence overlays. These systems typically rely on an RGB camera, incapable of FLT imaging. Our novel approach sequentially illuminates the scene with red, green, and blue light pulses and Near Infrared (NIR) pulses, captured selectively with a single fast time-gated camera. The camera is synchronized to the pulsed illumination and positions its gate windows to capture only one of the illumination pulses; afterwards, it overlays the NIR fluorescence lifetime image on the natural color image. The VUB-ETRO team developed the tauCAMTM camera based on Current-Assisted Photonic Sampler (CAPS) image sensor technology, which intends to offer real-time FLT imaging, particularly in the NIR area. This paper presents an LED-based time-multiplexing RGB + FLT endoscopy imaging with tauCAMTM, designed to enhance visualization in real-time surgical settings. By combining RGB and FLT imaging, surgeons could receive comprehensive insights into tissue characteristics, supporting precise interventions.

Vehicular Visible Light Communication (V-VLC) offers a compelling alternative communication technology for Intelligent Transportation Systems, leveraging its license-free spectrum, wide bandwidth, energy efficiency, and existing transmitters. Accurate optical channel modelling is essential for evaluating V-VLC feasibility and performance in vehicular environments. For this, accurate transmitter representations are required. Low beam headlights and daytime running lights are primary candidates for VLC transmitters, yet simplified light source models often lack photometric realism compared to actual vehicle headlights. A comparison of a Lambertian and a measured low-beam emission patterns reveals that Lambertian models underestimate communication range while overestimating mobility. A narrow beam better reflects the low beam irradiance but requires careful design considerations for an optimal representation. This study examines the differences between the source models commonly used and suggests alternative modelling approaches depending on the communication range.