Abstract
The detection and classification of small surface targets at long ranges is a growing need for naval security. Simulations of a laser radar at 1.5 μm aimed for search, detect, and recognition of small maritime targets will be discussed. The data for the laser radar system will be based on present and realistic future technology. The simulated data generate signal waveforms for every pixel in the sensor field-of-view. From these we can also generate two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) range and intensity images. The simulations will incorporate typical target movements at different sea states, vessel courses, effects of the atmospheric turbulence and also include different beam jitter. The laser pulse energy, repetition rate as well as the receiver and detector parameters have been the same during the simulations. We have also used a high resolution (sub centimeter) laser radar based on time correlated single photon counting to acquire examples of range profiles from different small model ships. The collected waveforms are compared with simulated wave forms based on 3-D models of the ships. A discussion of the classification potential based on information in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D data separately and in combination is made versus different environmental conditions and system parameters.
Highlights
The interest in novel solutions for improved Maritime Domain Awareness has seen an increase in recent years.[1]
In order to further study the potential of laser range profiling, we have conducted some laboratory experiments using single photon time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), which enables very high range resolution on the order or millimeter to centimeter
The results clearly indicate the potential of using a laser to detect and classify these types of targets. This simulation has been made within a project at FOI,[2] which will involve radar and passive IR/TV for having a robust solution to detect, classify, identify and track small boats at sea
Summary
The interest in novel solutions for improved Maritime Domain Awareness has seen an increase in recent years.[1]. In order to attempt to overcome some limitations of currently available systems, Swedish Defense Research Agency (FOI) has undertaken work to design and test a prototype sensor system consisting of a radar sensor working in cooperation with a laser system capable of making both range profiling and range gated imaging.[2] We can incorporate passive electro-optical (EO) systems in the visual and infrared wavelength regions for an increased support of the detection, tracking and identification (ID) capability. This paper will show simulation results for laser range profiling and imaging of small boat models under different environmental conditions and discuss the results from a system perspective. We showed by simulations and laboratory measurements that laser range profiling is a promising method of identification of small sea surface targets at long ranges.[16] The influence on the range profiles from target tip due to waves from different aspect angles was investigated. Analysis is concentrated on range profiles but the 2-D intensity, and 3-D data are exemplified as are the preliminary investigation of data processing for automatic target classification
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