Enhanced Backscattering of Electromagnetic Radiation for Target Tracking

Surface Optics Corporation (SOC), teamed with the University of California, Irvine, proposes an exploratory study aimed at the development of an inexpensive portable optical tagging system with an intelligent retro-reflective encoded tag, dynamic modulator, and sensors needed for tracking and identification of U.S. military assets. The encoded tag can be either affixed to, or printed onto, military vehicles. Cost effective laser readers will be used to provide covert and secure operation. The overall goal of this program is to develop and demonstrate a secure sensor for rapid and accurate tracking and identification of distant objects from both aerial and ground locations, which could be used for improved identification of combatants and their weapons within a fusing battle scene. The Phase II program will include the fabrication of a specially designed tag that displays strong backscattering for only one specific angle of incidence while remaining indiscernible to others. Such a tag will act as a Collett-Wolf source, i.e., the source of a partially coherent collimated beam that propagates through turbulent and/or obscure atmospheres better than a fully coherent laser beam. The Phase II program will also include the use of intensity correlations in scattering from moving tags to extract the velocity of the target in real time. During Phase II, an eye-safe and smart laser tagging system will be designed, fabricated, tested, and delivered to the Army.