A Compact Frequency Agile Mid-Infrared Airborne Lidar

Presently, a need exists for compact mid-infrared sensors for various combat systems in the 21st century. Systems such as the Future Combat System (FCS) will require remote active multi-spectral sensors with combined capabilities of laser radar, remotechemical detection, and multi-spectral imaging. The mid-infrared spectral region offers enhanced atmospheric transmission, including penetration through dust and smoke, combined with the capability of detecting chemical agents and biological aerosols.Additionally, man-made materials and volatile organics can be detected in a cluttered background by means of differential imaging in the mid-infrared. However, the tactical advantages of this spectral region have not been fully exploited. The majorshortcomings of the existing systems are excessive weight and size; low poor efficiency, limited frequency agility, and lack of compactness and ruggedness. This program will assemble a 100-Hz intra-cavity OPO mid-infrared lidar system, which is compact,rugged and power efficient enough to operate from a UAV. The system will utilize non-conventional cooling and construction techniques to minimize weight yet provide a flight capable system.