UAV-based mine detection using a short pulse, high repetition rate, multicolor laser transmitter

This SBIR Phase I effort will demonstrate the feasibility of a UAV compatible lidar scanner/receiver for use with a high repetition rate, short pulse, multicolor laser transmitter. The system features an electro-optic beam scanner and a fiber optic receiver. The key innovation in this effort is a beam steering device without moving parts which offers high bandwidth, wide scan range, low loss, and high power handling capability. The receiver to be identified is a shaped, narrow field of view fiber optic receiver. The scanning/receiving system will be capable of detecting short (subnanosecond) pulses operating at high repetition rates (>> kHz) over multiple wavelengths optimized for detection in the Very Shallow Water littoral zone region. The compact, robust, energy efficient, multi-wavelength detection, long-life cycle capable scanning and receiver system proposed in this SBIR effort will be ideally suited for use in a UAV-based laser mine detection system as called for by the Navy ALMDS program.