Direct Detection Ladar Pulse Processing

ABSTRACT: The objective of this effort is to develop a flexible, modular ladar processing architecture and advanced algorithms suitable for direct digital processing of high-bandwidth ladar pulses using ultra-high speed, real-time signal processing. The primary applications for this technology require highly accurate individual pulse measurements with limited ability to improve detection statistics over multiple pulses. The direct detection ladar systems of interest utilize pulse repetition rates of 10-35kHz and have pulse widths of less than 10ns. The architecture will be used to develop an advanced Ladar Pulse Analyzer (LPA) that will perform highly accurate pulse measurements, including intensity, arrival time and pulse width. An advanced Ladar Scene Generator (LSG) will also be developed with the capability to generate high-bandwidth pulse waveforms with programmable intensity, time of arrival, duration, and shape for use in testing the LPA. BENEFIT: Direct Detection LADAR technology is a utilized in a wide range of critical government and commercial applications including 3-D imaging, aerial mapping, weapons seekers, ISR, EW and navigation systems, atmospheric study, and ground transportation.