Hybrid-Lidar Radar Imaging Through Clouds and Fog for Missile Defense Applications

Due to the success of the hybrid lidar-radar approach for improving the performance of underwater optical imaging systems, the approach of this project is to apply this technique to atmospheric laser ranging and identification systems, such as ballisticmissile detection systems. AMPAC proposes to fully understand how to model the propagation of a laser beam through various types of adverse weather conditions. Specifically, the objective is to better understand the propagation of the laser radiationitself and the effect of the radar subcarrier under representative weather conditions such as clouds, rain and fog as well as background limiting conditions such as direct sunlight. The hybrid lidar-radar approach has several advantages that could beexploited in the ballistic missile defense scenario, such as:1. Improve the detection and identification of missiles in adverse weather conditions, such as clouds fog and rain.2. Enhance the range and doppler resolution capability of an optical imaging system to discriminate against false targets, such as decoys and other clutter.3. There are potential biomedical applications for this technology that would involve high resolution non-invasive imaging with great potential for early diagnosis of tissue abnormalities.4. There are potential commercial and military uses of this technology for image enhancement where fire and/or smoke cause aberrations making current image detection technologies ineffective.