Hybrid Lidar/Radar Sensor for Improved Mine Detection

A hybrid lidar/radar (HLR) sensor will be developed that enables hybrid lidar-radar underwater ranging to enhance target detection in underwater environments. The method is based on the use of an optically carried radio frequency (RF) signal in order to benefit from both the directivity of the optical beam (lidar), and the accuracy of RF signal processing (radar). To demonstrate the benefits of HLR, in Phase I, using a system-level approach and working with the contract technical representative, the U.S. Nave program office, and other stakeholders, an optimized HLR system will be developed. The HLR sensor will include a high-sampling-rate focal-plane array (FPA), laser, RF modulator, and scan optics. Using empirically derived performance parameters, performance will be modeled, and the system will be shown to benefit U.S. Navy mine-countermeasure (MCM) missions.Also in Phase I, a high-sample-rate monolithic avalanche photodiode (APD) photoreceiver array will be developed, an RF-modulated pulsed laser will be designed, and signal processing demonstrated. A breadboard prototype will be assembled to demonstrated proof-of-concept, and a system, to be fabricated and tested in Phase II, will be built.