SBIR Phase I:Multi-functional, Programmable LADAR using Photonics Arbitrary Waveform Generation

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将调查一个潜在的破坏性，新的激光测距和检测（LADAR）传感器系统的可行性，可编程，多波形的能力，使用时间透镜脉冲发生器（TLPG）的新兴技术？基于光子学的任意波形发生器（P-AWG）或TLPG？简称为P-AWG。在完全相反，传统的P-AWG，建议TLPG？基于P-AWG的P-AWG不认为光脉冲发生器（OPG）和任意波形发生器（AWG）块的功能本身是分开的。实际上，它通过使用时间透镜概念在脉冲产生本身期间（或在OPG中）产生任意光波形。新的TLPG？基于PAWG的架构是一种具有成本效益的和鲁棒的，因为它使用连续波（CW）激光器而不是昂贵的锁模激光器（MLL）和/或超连续谱（SC）源。这意味着（i）简单的设置，（ii）低的光插入损耗，（iv）紧凑的尺寸，以及（v）最重要的是整体低成本。拟议的创新是对现有PAWG的重大而简单的修改，具有深远的意义。第1阶段将限于（i）开发模型逆算法，用于计算所需的RF数据信号，以生成4种波形形状，即：TLPG中的方形、三角形和脉冲波形？的PAWG，（ii）执行TLPG的概念验证实验？的PAWG，和（iii）开发高谐振光学/微波环形谐振器单元的初步工程设计。如果成功，该项目的结果将产生广泛的商业，科学，国土安全，军事影响。这种基于P-AWG的新型高性能LADAR解决了传统LADAR解决方案所能提供的新功能的需求。商业应用包括高分辨率（1）远程航空测绘，地面测量和城市规划的3D建模，（2）自主车辆导航，机械导航和防撞运输安全和预防系统，（3）自动化过程控制，质量控制，监控和制造业和工业现场的移动的机器人测距。在科学和国土安全竞技场中，这种基于上级P-AWG的LADAR可用于全球气候监测、环境传感、地理测量、化学和生物武器检测，以检测额外的目标特征，并在具有挑战性的环境条件下有效地运行。此外，它从定制波形中提高的分辨率将有助于识别未知材料或结构。此外，这种新的智能LADAR是军事应用中的关键子系统，例如：激光弹药导引头，空中侦察，主动/被动监视，反舰导弹跟踪，瞄准系统和载人/无人自主机器人地面/空中车辆的成像传感器等等。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project will investigate the feasibility of a potentially disruptive, new Laser Ranging and Detection (LADAR) sensor system with programmable, multi-waveform capability using an emerging technology of Time-lens Pulse Generator (TLPG)?based Photonics Arbitrary Waveform Generator (P-AWG) or TLPG?based P-AWG for short. In complete contrast to traditional P-AWG, the proposed TLPG?based P-AWG does not consider the functions of Optical Pulse Generator (OPG) and Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) blocks as separate per se. In fact, it generates the arbitrary optical waveforms during the pulse generation itself (or in OPG) by using the time-lens concept. This new TLPG?based PAWG architecture is a cost-effective and robust since it uses Continuous Wave (CW) laser instead of expensive mode-locked lasers (MLL) and/or supercontinuum (SC) sources. This translates to (i) simple set-up, (ii) low optical insertion loss, (iv) compact size, and (v) most importantly overall low-cost. The proposed innovation is a significant yet simple modification of existing PAWG that has far-reaching significance. Phase 1 will be limited to (i) developing model & inverse algorithm for calculating the required RF data signal to generate 4 waveform shapes namely; square, triangle, and impulse waveform, in TLPG?based PAWG, (ii) performing proof-of-concept experiment for TLPG?based PAWG, and (iii) developing preliminary engineering design of the highly resonant optical/microwave ring resonator unit. If successful the result of this project will have broad commercial, scientific, homeland security, military impact. This new high performance P-AWG-based LADAR addresses the needs for new capabilities above and beyond what conventional LADAR solutions can offer. The commercial applications include high resolution (1) remote aerial mapping, ground surveying, and 3D-modeling for urban planning, (2) autonomous vehicle navigation, machinery guidance and collision avoidance for transportation safety and preventive systems, (3) automated process control, quality control, monitoring and ranging for mobile robot in manufacturing and industrial sites. In the scientific and homeland security arena, this superior P-AWG-based LADAR can be used for global climatology monitoring, environmental sensing, geographic surveying, chemical and biological weapon detection to detect additional target characteristics as well as operate effectively under challenging environmental conditions. Furthermore, its increased resolution from tailored waveforms will aid in the identification of unknown materials or structures. In addition this new smart LADAR is a key subsystem in military applications such as: laser munitions seekers, airborne reconnaissance, active/passive surveillance, anti-ship missile tracking, targeting systems, and imaging sensors for manned/unmanned autonomous robotic ground/air vehicles to name a few.