Low Level Signal Detection for Passive Electro-Optical Space-based Surveillance

ABSTRACT: Toyon Research Corporation and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) are proposing development and feasibility demonstration of advanced algorithms for the detection of vibration signatures in scattered light. The algorithms are being developed for applications including space-based electro-optical (EO)/infrared (IR) sensing at high frame rates and extremely low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Toyon-UCSB are proposing both detailed modeling and simulation of the signals measured by the space-based EO/IR sensors, as well as implementation, demonstration, and evaluation of advanced noise reduction and detection algorithms. The proposed algorithms are based on principles from Track-before-Detect (TrbD), implemented via nonlinear particle filtering techniques, and are designed to near-optimally integrate information from high-frame-rate EO/IR sensors to provide improved effective SNRs at the detection stage, enabling high-confidence detection decisions, with reduced latency. In this novel application of particle filters for low level signal detection, the filter is designed to exploit the particular physical signature (temporal vibration) of the object of interest. Phase I R & D will include signal and sensor modeling, signal processing algorithm development and evaluation, and development of a recommended Phase II prototype architecture. BENEFIT: The successful completion of this R & D will ultimately result in advanced algorithms and a real-time software implementation for detection of extremely dim modulated signals from space-based EO/IR sensor platforms. Additional applications include airborne- and ground/surface-based sensing onboard manned and unmanned platforms. The proposed technology has the potential to enable detection of target signals which were previously not exploited due to the low level of the signals, due to signal scattering and/or long sensor-target standoff ranges. Thus, the proposal technology has applications in counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and a variety of civilian applications, in addition to many military applications.