The objective of this research is to construct an ultra-compact and lightweight mid-infrared differential absorption lidar (DIAL) sensor capable of operating from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and similar platforms. The sensor will operate in the 3.2--3.6-um spectral region, the fingerprint absorption region for many fuels and paints, as well as some known chemical and biological threats. Compared to the presently used near-infrared laser systems, the sensor will be less affected by common battlefield obscurants. The use of a nonlinear frequency converter in the receiver will allow the system to attain unparalleled sub-meter level of spatial resolution in the mid-infrared spectral range. This feature, combined with a frequency-agile, solid-state-tunable laser transmitter will enable the sensor to rapidly interrogate targets both spatially and spectrally with high resolution. The resulting technology will offer a superior means of target location and identification in a cluttered battlefield environment. Military applications: the success of the Phase I/II SBIR program will accelerate the development of mid-infrared Aided Target Recognition (ATR) and tracking systems with enhanced resilience against battlefield obscurants, combined with superior capabilities of target identification. Commercial applications: the same technology will provide an airborne chemical sensor platform that will offer a rapid and economic means for pipeline inspections and environmental monitoring
