Compressive Sensing Flash IR 3D Imager

Physical Sciences Inc. in collaboration with Colorado State University proposes to develop a compact infrared flash 3D imaging sensor employing compressive sensing (CS) approaches. The CS 3D sensor offers a combination of high range resolution (10 cm), high point cloud density (6464 format), and fast 3D image frame rates (10 Hz) in a low cost, compact form factor employing commercial off the shelf components. The single pixel architecture will enable significant size, weight, power, and cost reduction relative to emerging flash LADAR systems employing a high speed avalanche photodiode APD array. The application of CS enables a tradeoff between field of regard, lateral resolution, and 3D image frame rate which can be exploited in real time as mission requirements evolve. The proposed sensor will achieve 10 cm range and lateral resolution over a 10 field of view for ranges to 30 m and target diffuse reflectivity of 10%. The Phase II effort will produce and demonstrate a TRL 4 prototype in Year 1 through local, outdoor, on the move testing. The TRL will be increased to TRL 5 in Year 2 through sensor hardening and participation in government sponsored field testing.