Near Infrared Streak Tube Development

The Streak Tube Imaging LIDAR (STIL) combines streak tube and CCD imaging technology to yield high-resolution 3D imaging systems. The technology was developed primarily for ocean imaging and the operational wavelength is around the blue green portion of the visible spectrum. However, laser eye safety requirements and the need for covert operation preclude operation at a visible wavelength. Arete proposes to join emerging transferred electron (TE) photocathode technology with a high temporal resolution streak tube design to extend the STIL operating range into the near infrared. The near infrared streak tube design relies on the use of high quantum efficiency InGaAs/InP photocathodes. The proposed development effort will produce an integrated design of a near infrared STIL receiver capable of operating near the eye-safe wavelength of 1.55 microns. The result of the combined Phase I and Phase II efforts will produce a component that allows STIL technology to be applied to military and commercial laser radar problems where operation in the NIR is essential.