Non-Mechanical High Resolution LADAR Based Around A Frequency Swept Optical Source

Bridger Photonics (BP) and collaborative partner Montana State University (MSU) propose to develop a completely novel, non-mechanical scanning mechanism that will enable a compact, high-resolution, imaging LADAR system for enhanced navigation aid during helicopter brownouts. Such systems are becoming prominent in today’s modernized military especially as the cost in lives and dollars has come to the Navy’s attention. LADAR imaging is needed for increased functionality including enhanced situational awareness, obstacle detection and avoidance during landing. Due to the demanding payload requirements, any enabling technology must be sufficiently rugged, compact and lightweight. BP’s proposed LADAR system will be capable of rapid volumetric scans with resolution up to 1 cm3 over a range of 30 m and a 30º x 60º field-of-view. The system will utilize an ultra-compact laser source, have no moving parts, and take advantage of a unique heterodyne detection technique to reduce receiver electronic bandwidths and processing requirements making the system robust, compact and affordable. The proposed system is based on BP’s recent innovations in controlling frequency-swept optical laser sources and utilizing these sources to provide a unique non-mechanically scanned, wavelength multiplexed imaging system.