Speckle Exploitation for Enhanced Reconnaissance (SEER)

The goal of the Speckle Exploitation for Enhanced Reconnaissance (SEER) program is to provide a proof-of-concept field demonstration for pupil-plane detection of the optical speckle field for production of 3D laser radar (LADAR) images. Capturing the data in the pupil plane obviates the need for focusing receiver optics, with the function of focusing optics instead performed by digital signal processing.

Additionally, digitally correcting for phase errors that are imparted by either the atmosphere or platform motion mitigates the need for stringent pointing and tracking in the presence of atmospheric turbulence. Two separate approaches will be investigated. The first will involve mixing the incoming signal beam with a local oscillator, and the second will utilize an in-scene glint produced by a laser beam without the use of a corner cube or any other specialized reflective device. The goal of this effort is to demonstrate 3D image formation of a full-scale extended target such as a truck, tank or other vehicle.