Lobster Eye X-Ray Imaging Underwater Scatterometer

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) needs an underwater x-ray imager/scatterometer system for high-quality imaging of mines and other objects buried in sediment, and to analyze the porosity and structure of the sediment itself. The system is to be based on backscattering x-ray technology and be mounted on small underwater vehicles, including remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles. Sonar detectors can sense underwater mines even in dark, opaque water, but cannot detect buried mines. To meet the Navy need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Lobster Eye X-Ray Imaging Underwater Scatterometer (LEXIUS) that enables focusing hard x-rays and discriminating mines from similar objects. Another advantage of LEXIUS is that it can collect vital information on buried mines in real time. The proposed LEXIUS images mines and other buried objects by means of Compton backscattering. It will operate in the x-ray energy range 40 to 60 keV, at a rate of at least thirty frames per second. LEXIUS provides enhancements in both resolution and signal-to-noise ratio due to the use of true focusing capabilities of POC's proprietary Lobster Eye x-ray optics.