Sonardyne-led project to develop underwater imaging system gets £2.7m boost

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Daniel Face

The system uses single‑photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) from the University of Edinburgh. Credit: Sonardyne

Hampshire-based Sonardyne is leading a consortium of universities and technology companies to develop an innovative underwater single photon imaging system (USPIS).

The project has just been awarded £2.7 million through Innovate UK’s Commercialising Quantum Technologies Challenge.

Where current sonar and laser imaging technology is limited by water clarity, range and light level, the consortium aims to build a system capable of delivering wide area coverage and high-resolution 3D images.

This would be fitted to a subsea vehicle operating far above the sea floor.

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Sonardyne brings to the group its 50 years of expertise in the provision of underwater positioning, sensing and imaging systems, and will be responsible for system integration and testing.

Darryl Newborough, technical director at Sonardyne, said: “We’re delighted to be leading this consortium of world-class experts and contributing our expertise in developing the next generation of underwater mapping and imaging.

“The possibilities that this groundbreaking technology will open up are breath-taking and we cannot wait to see it in action.”

Sonardyne is joined on the project by Fraunhofer UK Research, which is developing the laser system and environmental testing; RedWave Labs, which will design and build the control electronics for the laser; and Photon Force, which is working on an array sensor and accompanying electronics.

Also taking part are Heriot-Watt University, which lends its knowledge of transceivers system and single-photon imaging techniques; as well as the University of Edinburgh, which is helping to inform the design of the single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) used in the 3D imaging system.

The project has been running for two years, with testing of prototype equipment due to start in April 2024.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.