Development of a Novel Laser Illuminator for Geiger Mode LADAR

ABSTRACT: In this Phase II SBIR proposal Physical Sciences Inc., in collaboration with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Q-Peak Inc., describes the development of a compact, efficient 1064 nm laser illuminator to support 3D imaging applications utilizing Geiger Mode avalanche photodiode-based imagers. During the Phase I program, a LADAR model, utilizing the output from a Laboratory prototype design of a 1064 nm laser source, indicated that the source is an ideal candidate for a 3D LADAR illuminator. During the Phase II program this laser design will be refined and a prototype laser illuminator system will be fabricated and tested. The laboratory design will be optimized to achieve key performance objectives developed with input by Air Force representatives. An Alpha prototype design of the laser transmitter will then be developed that is compatible with size weight and power (SWaP) requirements of airborne platforms of interest to the Air Force. The Alpha prototype will then be assembled and tested, first in the laboratory, and later, in optional efforts, in the field after integration with a Geiger Mode APD imager. BENEFIT: The proposed SBIR program will lead to the development of a compact, efficient 1064 nm laser illuminator which will support a number of important Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions that are facilitated by 3D imaging. The compact and efficient design of the illuminator"s laser transmitter will enable integration onto a variety of platforms ranging from compact stabilized gimbals on small remotely piloted aircraft to pods on larger aircraft. The successful SBIR effort will lead to compact, efficient laser transmitter platforms with both military and non-military applications of 3D LADAR.