Multistatic optical imaging system compatible with AUV platforms

Conventional optical imaging systems have limited performance in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE) such as dust, fog, sand, and turbid water due to multiple scattering of the light on the path from the source to the target. Their large platform size also makes them unfavorable for compact, autonomous systems. In recent years, researchers at NAVAIR in Patuxent River, MD have developed a compact submersible laser imaging system based on a multistatic system architecture, allowing the source and multiple receivers to reside on separate, smaller, independent platforms. The system geometry can be better optimized for the environment, allowing it to obtain high quality imagery through much higher attenuation lengths (between the target and receiver) when compared to conventional imaging systems. The smaller source also lends itself to integration into an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). A compact, multistatic imaging system designed for integration into a REMUS 600 AUV has been developed and is currently being tested in a laboratory environment. System design and laboratory test plans will be presented.