Tunable Range-Imaging Ladar System

We propose to develop a frequency-agile, range-imaging, LADAR system by innovatively combining a number of new subsystem technologies. This technology would provide the basis for a new class of frequency-agile military range-imaging systems. The proposed system would be comprised of a rapidly tunable laser transmitter, a scanning, direct-detection receiver and the necessary signal processing/display system. The laser transmitter would derive its tunable infrared output from an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped by a tunable Ti:sapphire laser. The Phase I project would concentrate primarily on demonstrating the rapidly tunable OPO transmitter. The critical subsystem technologies on which the overall system is based are: an efficient, compact, high PRF, diode-pumped, green laser; a low-threshold, rapidly tunable, Ti:sapphire laser; a simple NCPM OPO, tunable via tuning of the pump only; and a patented methodology for constructing a tunable laser rangefinder. The proposed system would have commercial and scientific applications in the area of optical remote sensing of aerosols, and when configured for differential absorption lidar, for the species-specific detection of atmospheric constituents.