Holographic Light-in-Flight Interferometric Camera

To address the Army need for high-speed measurement technique for weather impact damage assessment of projectile IR domes and radomes, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Holographic Light-in-Flight Interferometric Camera (HOLIFIC) three-dimensional imaging sensor based on short-pulse dynamic holographic recording of a projectile in flight. The innovation in the integration of light-in-flight holography with the short-pulse holographic interferometry will enable the proposed sensor to provide an optical inspection of surface roughness and deformation of a high-speed object. As a result, this system offers simultaneous measurement of surface profile and deformation over a wide range, instantaneous (light-speed) recording, high-resolution, low-noise images, and full-field 3D surface profile. The holographic 3D image recording and interferometry will be in real time using an erasable permanently placed holographic recording medium in a ruggedized camera system. In Phase I, POC will design a HOLIFIC sensor, analyze its performance, and demonstrate the proof-of-concept by laboratory experiments. In Phase II, POC will fabricate a full-scale, HOLIFIC system and integrate it with data collection, 3D reconstruction and deformation analysis software. The prototype can be produced at relatively low cost, compared with high-speed CCD-based system, and will require a minimal setup and calibration time.