ComPLIMET: Compact Polarimetric LIDAR with Metasurfaces Enabled Technology
Abstract
The proposed project emphasizes the critical need for compact, advanced imaging technology for detecting and providing early warnings of enemy forces in littoral zones, particularly for the recognition of underwater sea mines. Littoral zones, identified as nearshore areas up to approximately 40 feet in depth, present a complex operational environment due to their intricate compositions and limited underwater visibility. Surveillance challenges in these areas stem from the intricate demarcation between land and shallow waters, coupled with a rich biological ecosystem that not only interferes with imaging technologies but also offers natural camouflage for concealed objects.The research proposes the development of a highly integrated compact polarimetric LIDAR system leveraging metasurface technology for passive and active remote sensing and imaging. Building on existing achievements in metasurface device development for polarimetry, the project aims to create a compact, efficient imaging and sensing solution that utilizes polarization status and Stokes parameters without the need for moving parts. Integration with AI-aided object recognition for signal processing and edge computing is expected to enhance both the speed and precision of the system. Such advancements in LIDAR technology are anticipated to significantly bolster defense capabilities against anti-access/area denial (A2AD) threats in contested spaces. The system is designed to facilitate swarming small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) for tactical units, enabling detection in water columns in surf zones (less than 10ft deep) before continuing inland for various reconnaissance tasks.The goal of the project is to demonstrate a system that combines polarization de-multiplexing metasurfaces developed at UA, multi-pixel single-photon counting time-of-flight (TOF)arrays, and DNN-powered object recognition and computing within a polarimetric LIDAR imaging platform. This system aims to enhance Mine Countermeasure (MCM) missions by improving the speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of underwater remote sensing, overcomingthe current limitations of LIDAR in shallow water environments. To achieve this goal, we propose specific objectives including; Supporting the project s direction, current research highlights the advantages of polarimetry in underwater imaging. Polarization detection has been shown to be more sensitive than conventional methods in scattering media like turbid water. Metrics such as the degreeof polarization (DoP), including linear (DoLP), circular (DoCP), and the angle of linear polarization (AoLP), are highly effective in detecting and gathering detailed information about objects in challenging environments like haze, fog, and turbid waters, which are pertinent to the littoral zones of interest.The proposed multifunctional polarimetric LIDAR system aims to significantly advance instrumental integration by miniaturizing polarimetry, reducing costs, weight, and power consumption, and eliminating complex opticsand moving parts. This approach will expand deployment flexibility, particularly targeting the system s integration onto sUAS/drones for enhanced operational capabilities in littoral surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412343
Entities
People
- Seongsin Kim
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Alabama