Active Optical Remote Sensing System for Ground Contamination Detection

The DARPA Phase II proposal addresses the development of an active optical sensing system, materials database so as to develop an instrument for non-contact detection of surface contamination. The ISC team is developing a technique that has the potential for real-time detection and identification. The Phase I effort was to develop and demonstrate a technique that can be applied to an airborne sensor. Successful results from this and related programs provided the firm foundation for our Phase II proposal. The team’s envisioned concept is an active optical system that transmits optical radiation to the target area, and uses the return energy to detect and identify ground contaminants. The primary detection mechanism is based upon spectral monostatic bi-directional reflection measurements of clean and contaminated materials. The near-term man-pack instrument will be designed for standoff detection of several meters. ISC, with Y-12, SSI, RAI, and TRA as subcontractors, is well positioned to fulfill the objectives of the DARPA effort. To satisfy the objective of Phase II, the team will conduct SOW tasks of Section 2.0, which presents the final products to be provided in Task 5.0 – Laboratory Reflectometer materials measurements, Task 9.0-Fabricate and Deliver Man-Pack Prototype Instrument, and Task 10.0 – Reporting. Completion of the SOW will satisfy the objective of Phase II, “Develop and demonstrate an active optical surface chemical contamination detection technique that can be applied to a man-pack or an airborne capability.”