Optical Remote Detection of Low Level Earth Surface Vibrations

ABSTRACT: Remote optical detection of ground vibrations could potentially enable discovery of subterranean and camouflaged activity. The basic challenges are to acquire a detailed physical understanding of the detected signal and develop a system at reasonable cost with sensitivity to extremely small fractional light modulations. Under this effort Spectral Sciences, Inc., in collaboration with the University of Louisville, will define, model, and design innovative methods to optimize detection of surface and sub-surface activity using sunlight reflected from the earth's surface. The Phase I work will combine experiments and physical modeling to explore noise reduction and detector optimization. We will demonstrate feasibility of the technique, project performance, and provide technical requirements for implementation on a space-based or Air Force-wide UAV-based platform. Our team's experience in the temporal detection of dim targets makes us uniquely qualified to leverage new optical technology and data processing techniques. The ultimate goal is to achieve detection of vibrations of order 100 microns amplitude with a GSD of 1-10 meters. The Phase I results would lay the foundation for Phase II by validating a model of the vibration, signal modulation and detection, and providing specifications for a Phase II system and field experiment. BENEFIT: The technology could provide a powerful new surveillance capability to passively detect activity from camouflaged or subterranean buildings or locations in denied areas. Potential commercial byproducts would have widespread applications in non-destructive inspection and testing in military and civilian aircraft systems and across a broad spectrum of manufacturing and construction industries, including automotive, shipbuilding, and bridge construction, including routine inspection and maintenance.