High Speed Sampling of Coherent LADAR

SMD proposes the design and fabrication of a two-dimensional LADAR receiver. A novel detector array is proposed which utilizes recent advances in high speed silicion technology to provide a high performance, low-cost detector to detect the phase delay of reflected light in coherent LADAR ranging systems. Low noise readout circuitry provides precise range information as well as conventional intensity based imaging capability. Under Phase I, SMD proposes to experimentally demonstrate the LADAR receiver concept with a 128 X 128 silicon detector. Phase II will result in a fieldable 512 X 512 array capable of providing precision range information as well as high quality video (intensity) information. Military applications for the new technology include weapons targeting and aerial mapping functions. Commercial interest exists in automated manufacturing and robotics.