SBIR-STTR Award

A pseudo-ranging laser radar (prladar) concept is being developed to provide extended range capability to tracking laser radar (ladar) systems meeting the long-range requirements of strategic defense missions such as the midcourse interceptor engagement program. The concept has the potential for reducing the laser power and/or optical aperture required. The feasibility of a new receiver concept called the phase multiplexed correlator (pmc) is being demonstrated. The overall objective of this effort is to demonstrate the significant signal-to-noise enhancement that is expected to occur from a pseudorandom code (prc) modulation/demodulation techniques and to develop a quantitative method for determining the merits of proceeding with a prladar approach to deep space ranging. Specifically, pseudo-noise (pn) code parameters optimized for strategic defense tracking missions is being determined. The analytic signal processing gain for the prladar approach compared to incoherent averaging of a matched intermediate frequency filter is being determined. Breadboard prc electronics are being fabricated and tested as a laboratory demonstration of a simplified pn transmitter modulation technique. The new pmc receiver concept is being investigated. Data is being measured and results analyzed to allow scaling up of the concept in a later phase.