Modulated laser line scanner for enhanced underwater imaging

Linda J. Mullen; V. Michael Contarino; Alan Laux; Brian M. Concannon; Jon P. Davis; Michael P. Strand; Bryan W. Coles

doi:10.1117/12.366470

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28 October 1999 Modulated laser line scanner for enhanced underwater imaging

Linda J. Mullen, V. Michael Contarino, Alan Laux, Brian M. Concannon, Jon P. Davis, Michael P. Strand, Bryan W. Coles

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Proceedings Volume 3761, Airborne and In-Water Underwater Imaging; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.366470
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1999, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

Current Laser Line Scanner (LLS) sensor performance is limited in turbid water and in bright solar background conditions. In turbid water, backscattered and small angle forward scattered light reaching the receiver decreases underwater target contrast and resolution. Scattered solar energy reaching the detector also decreases detection sensitivity by increasing receiver noise. Thus, a technique which rejects unwanted, scattered light while retaining image-bearing photons is needed to improve underwater object detection and identification. The approach which we are investigating is the application of radar modulation and detection techniques to the LLS. This configuration will enable us to use optical modulation to discriminate against scattered light. A nonscanning mock-up of an existing LLS, the Electro-Optic Identification sensor, has been developed with off-the-shelf components. An electro-optic modulator will be added to this system to create a modulated LLS prototype. Laboratory tank experiments will be conducted to evaluate the performance of the modulated LLS as a function of water clarity and solar background levels. The new system will be compared to its unmodulated counterpart in terms of target contrast.

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Linda J. Mullen, V. Michael Contarino, Alan Laux, Brian M. Concannon, Jon P. Davis, Michael P. Strand, and Bryan W. Coles "Modulated laser line scanner for enhanced underwater imaging", Proc. SPIE 3761, Airborne and In-Water Underwater Imaging, (28 October 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.366470

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