The proposed approach has the potential to improve the spatial and range resolution of flash ladar systems regardless of the resolution provided by future detectors and readout electronics. The novelty of the proposed approach is the modification of video enhancement algorithms to construct 3D imagery with enhanced spatial and range resolution over standard single lens ladar systems. Once the approach is shown to be feasible, it will enable flash ladar systems to finally deliver the range and spatial resolution of scanning ladar with improved reliability and performance. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: The proposed innovation has the promise of enabling flash LADAR to overcome its range and spatial resolution limitations as well as the limitations of scanning ladar. Flash LADAR's higher frame rates and its elimination of mechanical components will contribute to reduced system cost, improved battlefield readiness and more accurate target detection in poor visibility conditions. These benefits extend to the commercial surveillance and maritime navigation equipment markets as well.
Keywords: flash LADAR, image enhancement, super-resolution, laser
