Compact, dual-wavelength, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) underwater imager

Abstract

High scattering environments, such as fog, sand, and turbid ocean water, severely degrade the performance of typical line-of-sight(LOS)/pseudo-monostatic imaging systems where the laser and receiver are on the same platform. Researchers at NAVAIR have developed a unique non-line-of-sight (NLOS)/bistatic imaging system where the illuminator and receiver are on separate platforms and are linked via wireless optical communication signal that is carried via the target-reflected light. The illuminator is placed close to the target, eliminating a majority of the forward and back scatter that occurs on the way to the target. This system is not hindered by multiple scattering in the path from the object to the receiver which allows it to achieve good image quality through much higher attenuation lengths than typical LOS imaging systems. A compact, dual optical wavelength system has been developed and is currently being tested in a laboratory environment. Results from this testing will be presented and plans for future work will be discussed.