N131-074 TITLE: Compact Laser System for Airborne Detection of Ocean Mines

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted". The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a compact and efficient multi-spectral laser system for active multi-spectral imaging (MSI) with four frequency bands across the visible and near infrared (NIR) for detecting surface and near-surface mines in the ocean.

DESCRIPTION: The detection of mines on the beach and floating/submerged mines in the ocean is accomplished with electro-optic (EO) sensors deployed on a Tactical Unmanned Airborne Vehicle (TUAV). Complex issues include target contrast with the background and false detections. The objective is to develop a compact, efficient multi-spectral laser with four frequency bands across the visible and near infrared (NIR). At least two bands should span across both sides of the NIR vegetation rise and at least one should provide in-water illumination. The water depth is 20 feet. Pulse widths of less than 4 nanoseconds are required for range-gated operations with imagers. Sufficient pulse power (500 mJ for in-water illumination and 150 mJ for other bands) is needed for large area imaging. The repetition rate is greater than 50 Hz. The Size, Weight, and Power available in the TUAV for the laser are 1 cubic foot, 80 pounds, and 1.0 KW at 28 volts DC power.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a compact, efficient multispectral laser system that can meet the performance and the SWaP constraints listed in the description. Perform modeling and simulation to provide initial assessment of concept performance. Phase I Option would include the initial layout and capabilities description to build the unit in Phase II.

PHASE II: Development of a prototype based on Phase I work for demonstration and validation. The prototype should be delivered at the end of Phase II, ready to be flown by the government.

PHASE III: Integrate the Phase II developed multi-spectral laser prototype with an imager, flight test the complete system, and integrate into the SHD-12-04 FNC program for transition to the ALMDS and/or COBRA acquisition programs.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Marine Survey, Bathymetry, Search & Rescue

REFERENCES:
1. Moran, Steven E., William L. Austin, James T. Murray, Nocolas A. Roddier, Robert Bridges, Richard Vercillo, Roger Stettner, Dave Phillips, Al Bisbee and Ned H. Witherspoon. 2003. "Rapid Overt Airborne Reconnaissance (ROAR) for Mines and Obstacles in Very Shallow Water, Surf Zone and Beach." DOI: 10.1117/12.501568

2. Mobley, Curtis D. 1994. Light and Water: Radiative Transfer in Natural Waters. San Diego: Academic Press.

3. Webb, Colin E., Jones Julian D. C. 2004. Handbook of Laser Technology and Applications: Laser design and�, Volume 2

4. Quimby, Richard S. 2006, Photonics and Lasers: An Introduction

KEYWORDS: Compact Multi-Spectral Laser; Detection of Ocean Mines; TUAV Sensor; Drifting Mines; Airborne Mine Detection; Submerged Mines

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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