Multi-Mode LADAR ATR System Modeling For Performance Estimation

SDL will develop ATR separability performance estimation tools for multi-mode LADAR systems utilizing physics based modeling of geometry, vibrometry, polarimetric and multi-spectral signatures. These tools will estimate achievable separabilty based on sensor characteristics, sensing modes, mission specifications, target sets and operating conditions. A significant component of the work is developing robust vibrometry feature extraction algorithms based on physical understanding and modeling of power plant vibration generation mechanisms for nominal and off-nominal power plant operation. These tools will enable a performance based sensing approach to multi-mode sensor design studies, directly linking sensor design descisions to impact on achievable ATR performance. In addition these tools can be used for mission planning, optimizing sensor and ATR algorithm parameters for specific mission objectives and environmental conditions. BENEFIT: The ATR separabiilty performance estimation capability developed will enable sensor design decisions to be linked directly with achievable ATR separability performance. THis will speed development of improved sensors, feature extraction algorithms, classification approaches and ATR systems in general.