High Speed Electro-Optic Sensor System for 3-D Imaging

"Arete proposes to develop a compact (<1000cm3) flash imaging LIDAR receiver system in which a three-dimensional image is produced with each laser pulse. The proposed sensor combines commercially available semiconductor components from diverse applicationswell suited to the problem at hand. This merger of technologies obviates the need for moving parts, high-voltage or high-speed digitization electronics and results in a compact, low power system without sacrificing high temporal (i.e., range <10cm) andangular resolution. The system will be able to operate at different wavelengths for different applications (e.g., UV to 12um). Furthermore, its compact packaging will be used in missile targeting and seeker systems, UAV applications, and ground basedreconnaissance or targeting systems. In addition to military applications, the small size of the system and relatively low cost provides the possibility of penetrating commercial markets such as obstacle avoidance and situational awareness in automatedproduction, aviation, heavy equipment and automotive industries. Phase 1 will focus on characterizing a single pixel sensor element that demonstrates utility for an NxN three-dimensional flash LIDAR. Phase 2 will mature this into a tested array, andPhase 3 will incorporate the technology into high resolution 3-D imaging systems for both military and commercial customers. The proposed technology will introduce a new means of generating 3D