Abstract: Plural electronic or optical images are provided in a streak optical system, as for instance by use of plural slits instead of the conventional single slit, to obtain a third, fourth etc. dimension—rather than only the conventional two, namely range or time and azimuth. Such additional dimension or dimensions are thereby incorporated into the optical information that is to be streaked and thereby time resolved. The added dimensions may take any of an extremely broad range of forms, including wavelength, polarization state, or one or more spatial dimensions—or indeed virtually any optical parameter that can be impressed upon a probe beam. Resulting capabilities remarkably include several new forms of lidar spectroscopy, fluorescence analysis, polarimetry, spectropolarimetry, and combinations of these.

Abstract: The system and method relate to detection of objects that are submerged, or partially submerged (e. g. floating), relative to a water surface. One aspect of the invention emits LIDAR fan-beam pulses and analyzes return-pulse portions to determine water-surface orientations and derive submerged-object images corrected for refractive distortion. Another defines simulated images of submerged objects as seen through waves in a water surface, prepares an algorithm for applying a three-dimensional image of the water surface in refractive correction of LIDAR imaging through waves—and also models application of the algorithm to the images, and finally specifies the LIDAR-system optics. Yet another emits nearly horizontal pulses to illuminate small exposed objects at tens of kilometers, detects reflected portions and images successive such portions with a streak-tube subsystem. Still others make special provisions for airborne objects.