Fast Fluorescence imaging sensor for standoff detection of sea mines and improvised explosive devices

Abstract

We propose a new approach for standoff detection of sea mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which are either floating, sub"merged or sank in the shallow ocean. The current state of the art technology for sea mine detection from air uses an active LIDAR sensor. The LIDAR sensor has limitations in detecting objects which are near the surface of water due to strong glint issues produced because of the laser reflection from the water surface. We propose a new approach to solve this technical challenge. The new proposed standoff approach of detection of sea mines and IEDs is an active sensor utilizing fast fluorescence color imaging. The standoff fluorescence imaging is not sensitive to reflection or scattering of the incident laser from the ocean surface and is expected to s"olve the glint problem. The new sensor will work in both daytime and nighttime operations and presence/absence of daylight, surface"" reflection, air bubbles, and foam will not be a limiting factor. Under this proposal we will perform a science study to measure flu"orescence signals from various objects which are likely to be used for construction of camouflaged IEDs and sea mines such as variou"s plastics, paints, rubber, cloths, epoxies, metals, metals with rust and paints along with naturally occurring objects in the ocean""s such as marine plants and vegetation, algae, fish, beach sands, corals, etc. Based on this science study a suitable standoff fluor"escence sensor will be developed for active detection. We will perform lab tests and field tests in the ocean to validate the methodology and to determine thestrengths and weaknesses of the proposed technology.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2017
Source ID
N000141712748

Entities

People

  • Anupam K Misra

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of HawaiĘ»i System

Tags

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Surface Coatings Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy