Abstract: A sensor system for remote object detection, tracking, characterization, and discrimination can have a plurality of sensors. A shared optical train that can facilitate blending of information from the sensors, so as to provide a single view for the plurality of sensors. Small and/or dim objects can be more readily detected. High-resolution 3 dimensional space object imagery and on-demand target information gathering can be provided with reduced data latency. The undesirable effects of atmospheric turbulence along the aiming direction can be mitigated even when there is a high relative velocity between the surveillance platform and remote target.

Abstract: A method and system for performing two-dimensional laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) are disclosed. A high speed fiber optic heterodyne imaging vibrometer can be used for the imaging of high speed surface deformation and/or vibration. Images provided by the high speed fiber optic heterodyne imaging vibrometer can be representative of movement, e.g., displacement or vibration, of the surface being imaged.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing target-in-the-loop, real-time laser beam phase aberration compensation through a turbulent atmosphere are disclosed. The methods and systems can distinguish between phase aberration contributions from atmospheric turbulence-induced phase aberration and target-induced phase aberration caused by target surface roughness. Selected components of incoming light can be used to define a reversed wavefront and a reverse direction of propagation such that a laser beam returned to a target tends to be concentrated upon a desired region of a target. In this manner, applications such as laser target designation, tracking, pointing, active imaging, and directed energy systems are better facilitated.

Abstract: A sensor system for remote object detection, tracking, characterization, and discrimination can have a plurality of sensors. A shared optical train that can facilitate blending of information from the sensors, so as to provide a single view for the plurality of sensors. Small and/or dim objects can be more readily detected. High-resolution 3 dimensional space object imagery and on-demand target information gathering can be provided with reduced data latency. The undesirable effects of atmospheric turbulence along the aiming direction can be mitigated even when there is a high relative velocity between the surveillance platform and remote target.

Abstract: A method and system for performing two-dimensional laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) are disclosed. A high speed fiber optic heterodyne imaging vibrometer can be used for the imaging of high speed surface deformation and/or vibration. Images provided by the high speed fiber optic heterodyne imaging vibrometer can be representative of movement, e.g., displacement or vibration, of the surface being imaged.

Abstract: A multi-beam heterodyne vibrometer for analyzing vibration of an object includes an optical system and a combining element. The optical system generates a plurality of object beams and a plurality of reference beams where one of the plurality of beams has a frequency that is shifted from a frequency of the other plurality of beams. The optical system focuses each of the plurality of object beams on the object and transmits the plurality of focused object beams to the object. A portion of each of the plurality of focused object beams is reflected off of a surface of the object as a modulated object beam. The optical system collects the modulated object beams. The combining element combines each of the modulated object beams with a respective one of the reference beams into a plurality of beam pairs.

Abstract: A system for quantifying surface characteristics detects and quantifies characteristics of a surface of an object. For example, the system may quantify changes in surface roughness without contacting the specimen and without requiring precise temporal or spatial stability. The system may also quantify the evolution or progression of a particular characteristic of a surface, such as a defect, a slipband, a crack, a microcrack, a pit, a damage feature, corrosion, a contour change, an impact crater, a change in residual stress, and so on. The system may include an energy source, a detector section, and a process section. The energy source transmits a source signal to the surface of the object. The source signal is specularly reflected and/or scattered by the surface to yield one or more received signals. The detector section receives the received signal and, in turn, provides a detector signal indicative of the received signal.

Abstract: A multi-beam laser Doppler vibrometer simultaneously measures velocity, displacement, and vibration history of multiple locations on an object. A beam of coherent light is split into an object beam and a reference beam. The object beam is divided into a plurality of object beams to simultaneously illuminate multiple locations on the object under inspection. The reference beam is frequency shifted and split into a corresponding plurality of frequency-shifted reference beams. A portion of each object beam is reflected by the object as a modulated object beam. The plurality of modulated object beams are collected and respectively mixed with the plurality of frequency-shifted reference beams to provide a plurality of beam pairs. Each beam pair may be focused onto a photodetector or an optical fiber connected to a photodetector.

Abstract: A multi-beam laser Doppler vibrometer simultaneously measures velocity, displacement, and vibration history of multiple locations on an object. A beam of coherent light is split into an object beam and a reference beam. The object beam is divided into a plurality of object beams to simultaneously illuminate multiple locations on the object under inspection. The reference beam is frequency shifted and split into a corresponding plurality of frequency-shifted reference beams. A portion of each object beam is reflected by the object as a modulated object beam. The plurality of modulated object beams are collected and respectively mixed with the plurality of frequency-shifted reference beams to provide a plurality of beam pairs. Each beam pair may be focused onto a photodetector or an optical fiber connected to a photodetector.