Omnidirection Pulsed Three-Dimension Imaging Coherent Aperture Sensor

To address the MDA need for techniques to perform warhead characterization, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Omnidirection Pulsed Three-dimension Imaging Coherent Aperture Sensor (OPTICAS) system based on a multi-aperture coherent 3D imaging system omnidirection view. The innovation in using coherent detection system with electro-optic gating allows recording the amplitude and phase of the backscattered light and will enable capturing of full-hemisphere warhead fragments data during warhead tests. As a result, this system offers high-velocity capturing of objects with sufficient resolution and determines individual fragment velocities, which directly address the MDA requirements. In Phase I, POC plans to develop a preliminary design of OPTICAS system and evaluate its effectiveness by using a laboratory prototype to dynamically image multiple objects in 3D space, map their velocities, and estimate their masses. A software model to detect, track, and derive position and velocity of each debris object will be demonstrated. Based on Phase I results, in Phase II, POC will design, develop, and implement a full-hemispherical warhead characterization system and associated test and data collection software to demonstrate its performance in a simulated environment. A path to support a ground-based warhead characterization test for field environment will be presented.