An Agile, High Speed, Non-Intrusive Ice Surface Mapping Device Based on Laser Topography

A non-perturbing, fast, and sensitive 3-D mapping device is greatly needed in ice contamination investigation and modeling of ice accretions. Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a compact, flexible, high-sensitive ice diagnostic system based on the principle of optical triangulation topography. The proposed system has a unique combination of several mature state-of-the-art technologies, including highly collimated compact diode lasers, high speed linearized optical scanner, high resolution cameras, and imaging processing softwares. The device can provide large area high spatial diffusing technology to increase the image quality of the device (one order of magnitude higher than using raw beam imaging). Optimized computer software will provide a user-friendly interface for automatic control of the device. The ruggedness, compactness, and automation makes the device suitable for a wide range of in-flight 3-D surface mapping applications, such as surface rusting monitoring, and industrial process control.