Structured-light-based high-resolution and high-dynamic-range optical underwater ranging

In unmanned underwater vehicles and underwater sensor networks underwater ranging is becoming of increasing importance. Laser-based ranging techniques offer the potential of high resolution and high speed. However, the challenging underwater environments could limit the performance of the optical ranging system. Specifically, (a) dynamic scattering particles distorts the optical beam in both time and space which limits ranging resolution and the maximum ranging distance, and (b) turbulence further distorts the wavefront of the optical beam and thus affects the ranging resolution. R-DEX Systems (R-DEX) proposes to team with its strategic partner to develop a structured-light-based high-resolution and high-dynamic-range optical ranging system. Through theoretical analysis, numerical modeling, and proof-of-concept experiments, the proposed project will develop an underwater ranging system with (a) ranging resolution of <1 mm and (b) dynamic range from 5 mm to 10 m (on the order of 10^3). The successful completion of the proposed Phase I project will: (a) enable high-performance ranging in small underwater platforms (e.g., unmanned underwater vehicles); (b) offer the commercial potential of structured light in reliable underwater ranging systems; and, (c) provide a deeper understanding of light-matter interaction in challenging underwater environments.