Pixel array with dynamic lateral and temporal resolution

A sensor system comprising:

• one or more light sources;
• an array wherein the detectors are spatially distributed across the array in a substantial matrix form,
• wherein the detectors are single-photon detectors (SPDs) configured to:
• detect single photons of light, and
• register the detection of the single photons with a detection signal;
• at least one evaluation circuit, wherein at least two SPDs detectors are connected to the at least one evaluation circuit, the evaluation circuit being configured to confirm the detection signal or output signals of the detectors based on spatiotemporal conditions, wherein the at least one evaluation circuit is configured to modify the spatiotemporal conditions based on ambient light and based on intensity and/or other properties of the detected light, and wherein the spatiotemporal conditions for confirmation of detection signals of the detectors comprise:
• observing a programmable minimum number of detection signals in detectors located in a virtual macropixel associated with the detector to be confirmed within a time segment associated to a time of the observation of the detection signal of the detector to be confirmed, the macropixel comprising a number of detectors in proximity of the detector to be confirmed;
• wherein the system is configured to, upon detection of the ambient light:
• above a first prefixed threshold value, set the programmable minimum number of detection signals at detectors located in the virtual macropixel at a value of at least N, and
• below the first prefixed threshold value at a value of at most M,
• wherein M<N, with M equal to at least 1, and N equal to at least 2;
• wherein the system is configured to, upon detection of a strength of the detected light:
• above a first prefixed threshold value, set the duration of the time segment at a value of at most T1, and
• below the first prefixed threshold value at a value of at least T2, wherein T2>T1, with T1 equal to at least 1 ns;
• whereby the detectors are included in a first layer, and the at least one evaluation circuit is provided in a second layer, the second layer being positioned under the first layer, wherein the first layer is a detection layer, and the second layer is a processing layer.