INTELLISENSE SYSTEMS INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF181-017

Description

To address the Air Force need for a sensor capable of remote measurements of optical turbulence in surrounding air at a range of up to 10 km, Intellisense Systems Inc. (ISS) proposes to develop a new Dual-Receiver Turbulence LIDAR (DReTL) based on the use of backscattering amplification effect in the turbulent atmosphere that is directly related to the magnitude of the refractive index structure parameter. The compact eye-safe DReTL will be capable of operating automatically 24/7 and providing the distribution of the refractive index structure parameter along its line of sight at a range of up to 10 km. A simple scanning mechanism will allow for the DReTL to be pointed in any direction in the hemisphere and collect volumetric data about the distribution of optical turbulence. The secured data transmission channels will connect the DReTL with the Air Force Weather Enterprise. In Phase I, ISS will optimize the design of the LIDAR prototype and will demonstrate feasibility by simulating its operation in a computer model. This demonstration will establish technology readiness level (TRL)-3 for the DReTL technology. In Phase II, ISS plans to develop and test the DReTL prototype in real operational conditions, thus reaching TRL-6.