Innovative Methods for Limited Dynamic Range Optical Detectors to More Effectively Operate in High Dynamic Range Environments

Streak Tube Imaging LIDAR is a proven technology in use by multiple US Navy Programs of Record. With the technology in a stable state, exploration into enhancements within streak tubes and the technology are suitable for exploration. The biggest concern for reliability within an electro-optic component is the photocathode. By integrating a micro-channel plate (MCP) into the streak-tube electro-optic vacuum tube, a secondary photocathode is removed and made unnecessary, helping to reduce reliability risk and negative performance effects. This Phase II SBIR focuses on the selection of a suitable enhanced streak tube with MCP to fully characterize and incorporate into a testable system. The test results will show proof and support the path to Phase III and integration into a US Navy Program of Record. Due to the nature of the change, the streak tube could be replaced without any large algorithm changes and benefit from increased SNR. Long term, algorithms could be updated to take advantage of active gain control for system enhancement and environmental adjustment.