SBIR-STTR Award

Several countries are developing and marketing ocean-penetrating laser radar systems that can be used for lidar bathymetry, water environmental probing, and/or ASW. In an ASW mode, such sensors could be used for submarine search, detection, localization, and target characterization. Pacific-Sierra Research Corporation proposes to design, develop, and demonstrate a submarine-based sensor for detecting airborne ocean- penetrating laser radar systems. The Phase I program will produce a design and predict the performance for a sensor that will detect and provide advanced warning of such laser radar threat systems. The Phase II program will develop a prototype sensor and validate its performance during an at-sea test. The proposed sensor will permit detection at sufficiently great ranges to permit evasive maneuvers to be performed by the submarine operator.

Benefits:
The developed sensor will detect and locate the lidar threat at maximum range and provide situation awareness capabilities to the submarine operator. As a commercial spin-off, divers could find their way back to surface ships using optical beacons developed as a result of this technology.

Keywords:
Situation awareness Ocean lidar Lidar detection Threat warning

Pacific Sierra Research Corporation proposes to develop and demonstrate a submarine-based system for detection of airborne optical threats and for providing wide-angle situation awareness capabilities to the operator of submerged submarines. The Phase II baseline will be configured to detect off-axis scatter from airborne ocean penetrating lidar systems at ranges in excess of 3 km. The sensor design is based on PSR's Gimballess Hardware Optical Search and Track (GHOST) system development, and have no moving parts external to the pressure hull. The Phase II optional program will produce an operational design for the submarine sensor, including real-time processing and clutter rejection, as well as an optical sensor that will permit wide angle viewing and optical communication to a diver through his facemask.

Benefits:
The developed sensor will detect and locate lidar threats at maximum range and provide situation awareness capabilities to the submarine operator. As a commercial spin-off, PSR will develop and market a commercial product such that Navy, commercial and recreational divers and underwater vehicle operators will be able to view the atmospheric region above their submerged locations, as well as receive communication in the form of optical pulses.

Keywords:
Situation Awareness Ocean Lidar Threat Warning Lidar Detection