Single Photon Counting 3D Lidar Receiver

"This proposal addresses the need for a high-resolution 3-D imaging receiver subsystem, part of a direct detection laser radar (Ladar) used for BMD target discrimination and tracking. Currently, implementation of active Ladar sensors on exo-atmospherickinetic energy kill vehicles (EKVs) and spaceborne/aircraft precision deployment phase and midcourse observation platforms are impeded in part by the large size, weight and cost of the Ladar components. The proposed Ladar receiver electronics form a partof a high repetition-rate Ladar system that will provide a significant (up to an order-of-magnitude) saving in cost, volume, mass and power consumption when compared to currently proposed BMDO Ladar systems. When combined with a high repetition-rate lasertransmitter, this new receiver will enable deployment of Ladar sensors on miniature hit-to-kill interceptors and spaceborne/aircraft precision deployment phase and midcourse observation platforms. The high-resolution 3-D imaging receiver subsystem to bedeveloped under the proposed SBIR program has tremendous potential application in military sensing systems. The single photon detection based receiver can replace existing eyesafe laser target imaging systems on vehicles in all three services."