Passively Augmented LIDAR using Flash LIDAR Compressive Sensing

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes the development of a passively augmented LIDAR (PAL) leveraging flash LIDAR compressive sensing (FLICS).  During the Phase I effort, PSI demonstrated the key advantages of this approach over conventional point scanned LIDAR for applications where rapid target reacquisition and identification are required.  These advantages included >3.5x faster time to target detection, increased robustness to occlusions (e.g. tree foliage), and sufficient signal to noise ratio to detect targets of interest (e.g. tanks) out to 1-3 km. Based on this determination, an initial prototype conceptual design was generated, showing traceability to an ultimate objective of missile seeker integration. Under the proposed Phase II effort, PSI will advance this design to support build, integration, and functional test of two prototypes.  These prototypes will then be tested at PSI’s Epping, NH facility, supporting capability demonstrations out to 1 km.  The program will culminate with a demonstration at the Eglin test range facility in conjunction with Air Force personnel against representative targets.