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
Benefit: R-DEX has developed a complete business development strategy for commercialization in both the government and private sector. The technology developed on this SBIR project will impact a wide range of military, civilian, and law-enforcement applications. R-DEXs technology transition efforts are focused on fielding through the normal DoD acquisition process as well as leveraging the technology for commercial applications. To this end, R-DEX will work with the sponsor as well as the appropriate DoD program office to mature this technology in order to transition to a Program of Record. To ensure success in Phase II and beyond, R-DEX has developed strategic partnerships that have yielded joint development plans for integrating the technology underpinning this Phase I SBIR into key partner programs. A key strength of this partnership is a rapid path to market with no traditional marketing or sales required. The anticipated benefits of this proposed project include improved Aided/Automated Target Recognition (Ai/ATR) of underwater objects. Commercial applications include surveying (e.g., pipeline inspection) and enabling survey research organizations to study the worlds oceans and other bodies of water.
Keywords: Scattering, Scattering, Mine Countermeasure, Laser Ranging, Mine Detection, Underwater Ranging, optical vortex, turbid, undersea weapon
