Explosive Detection LADAR (EDL)

Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation (SPEC) proposes a miniature class 1 eye-safe LADAR to provide explosive detection and classification through use of Raman scattering spectroscopy. The system is a hand held device interfacing to a tough book computer, allowing operation by dismount troops. The unit can find IEDs, Identify Suicide Bombers and interrogate suspicious packages and vehicles. The LADAR is an adaptation of the SPEC family of miniature 32 channel scanning LADARs. As adapted, one channel receives the transmit wavelength (Rayleigh scattering) for ranging and 3D imaging, the other 31 channels are gated by the Rayleigh channel and tuned to Stokes backscatter Raman spectral lines of explosives, both military and homemade. The fiber DWDM receiver structure, based on communications industry technology, has temperature stability of 5% band over -65F to 165F . The SPEC LADAR receiver, using SiPM sensors, achieves 8/1 signal to noise ratio on single photon detects, allowing near theoretical receiver performance. The receiver operates to 400KHz laser pulse rate and allows 3D imaging through thick vegetation by receiving the first 3 objects in range. The unique gating and sensor structure allows Raman detection to over 100m range.