A unified framework for image performance enhancement of extended range laser seabed survey sensors

Abstract

Recent advancements in system hardware components, such as more powerful, lower noise high repetition rate blue-green pulsed lasers, high quantum efficiency photon detectors capable of nanosecond low noise gating as well as new generation of low noise high precision electronic devices such as analog digital converter (ADC) have resulted in alternate imager designs being proposed that have the potential to significantly improve the performance of current state-of-the-art undersea laser serial imaging sensors. However, during basic operation, system issues such as laser instability, electronic noise, and severe environmental conditions can impose major constraints on the performance of imager. In this work, post-processing techniques that utilize both multichannel serial imager designs and the application of accurate time-resolved radiative transfer codes are shown to be critical aspects in fully taking advantage of these new hardware architectures. The benefits to image performance are studied in post-processing using datasets acquired in both the coastal ocean off south Florida and also in the large electro-optics test tank facility at Harbor Branch.