Development of Sound Velocity Profiling LIDAR

This proposal by EOO, Inc addresses the development of a remote optical sensor that directly measures profiles of sound velocity in water along its line of sight. With scanning of the sensor's line of sight, a 3-dimensional mapping of the sound velocityin the water volume can be obtained. The sensor proposed for development is laser induced Brillouin scattering, a technique that uses Doppler frequency analysis of the Brillouin backscatter.The general technical objective of our proposal is to greatly increase the Technology Readiness Level of remote 3-dimensional mapping of underwater sound velocity to support anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sensor systems. Specific objectives of Phase I are:(1) Review the concept in the context of currently available technology; (2) Define critical technology that will enable or enhance sensor performance; (3) Develop a physics based model and a conceptual sensor design that optimizes performance forplatform imposed constraints using currently available technology; (4) Create an implementation plan for Phase II that will result in the fabrication and testing of a breadboard prototype instrument; (5) document the value for ASW sensor performance. The breadboard prototype resulting from this effort is expected to lead to early operational utility demonstrations aboard Virginia class submarines.