Low-power portable scanning imaging ladar system

Abstract

Keyword: Laser RadarWe propose and are in the process of progressively implementing an improved architecture for a laser based system to acquire intensity and range images of hard targets in real-time. The system design emphasizes the use of low power laser sources in conjunction with optical preamplification of target return signals to maintain eye safety without incurring the associated performance penalty.The design leverages advanced fiber optic component technology developed for the commercial market to achieve compactness and low power consumption without the high costs and long lead times associated with custom military devices. All important system parameters are designed to be configured in the field, by the user, in software, allowing for adaptive reconfiguration for different missions and targets. Recently we have started our transition from the initial test bed, using a laser in the visible wavelength, into the final system with a 1550nm diode laser. Currently we are able to acquire and display 3-D false-color and gray-scale images, in the laboratory, at moderate frame rates in real-time. Commercial off-the-shelf data acquisition and signal processing software on a desktop computer equipped with commercial acquisition hardware is utilized. Significant improvements in both range and spatial resolution are expected in the near future.