Extended Range Optical Underwater Imaging Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Topic No.: N04-176 Topic Title: Extended Range Optical Underwater Imaging Proposal No.: N042-176-0 Firm: Physical Sciences Inc. 20 New England Business Center Andover, Massachusetts 01810-1077 Contact: Karl Moore Phone: (978) 689-0003 Web Site: http://www.psicorp.com/ Abstract: Underwater laser line imaging systems in the past were designed and built to provide the best performance possible using the technology available at the time. Typically these designs have either emphasized range-gated or synchronous scanning technology to reduce scatter, i.e., using time-of-flight characteristics or the geometrical configuration between source and receiver. Only recently has technology reached a level where both approaches may be combined to provide improved performance in terms of image quality and component reliability. The system proposed here uses a range-gated narrow and collimated laser beam that is coaxially tracked by a high speed detector. The design provides extended range imaging with the ability to reduce forward and backscatter, and has a small form factor requiring low power. The coaxial configuration also eliminates source-receiver alignment issues so that a more rugged instrument requiring only a single scanning component may be required. This design should achieve a new threshold in underwater imaging quality that is readily deployable from a variety of platforms. Benefits: The proposed instrument design will provide state-of-the art imaging capability through turbid waters, such as those encountered in coastal regions and harbors. The system will have the novel advantage of being small enough and requiring low power to be easily deployable from a variety of platforms. This product is intended for a range of uses where visual identification is normally limited if not impossible. Applications will be of interest to defense and security related issues such as the identification of submersible mines and for hull inspection. Other applications will include environmental monitoring, marine archeology, geological surveys, salvage, as well as search and survey missions. Return