PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A19-054

Description

Physical Sciences Inc. will design, develop, and demonstrate a Dual Mode, Eye-Safe LIDAR/Active Imaging Sensor. This sensor will address the need for multifunctional capability in situational awareness for future forces detailed to reconnaissance and force protection in domains including chemical and biological hazards. The Dual Mode Active Sensor will have two modes of operation, an elastic backscatter LIDAR for detection and tracking of chemical and biological warfare agent aerosol plumes, as well as an active SWIR imager for perimeter surveillance where both modes employ the same laser transmitter operating at an eye-safe wavelength of 1.5µm. The combined capability will enable detection of bioaerosol plumes at the ~ 1,000 ACPLA level at a standoff of 5km with 2° bearing accuracy over 120° in LIDAR mode and will image a 360° field of regard in 36s with sufficient lateral resolution and SNR to detect a person at 5km in active imaging mode. The sensor size and power requirements will be compatible with deployment on currently operational vehicles such as the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle. The Phase I project will produce a detailed system model and conceptual design for a prototype system to be built in Phase II.