Abstract: A method and system is used for detecting the presence of measuring the distance to and producing an image of, objects which, while being strongly absorbing or reflecting themselves, are hid from sight in a medium which is strongly dampening due to light dispersion, such as submersed submarines. The method provides, in addition to detecting the reflection from the surface of the object, a full acquisition of the variation of the backscatter of scanning laser pulses by the medium surrounding the object, with laser pulse transmitters operating with a much larger pulse duration, being usable for this purpose.

Abstract: A method and system are described for the detection and imaging of objects and structures in scattering media using light radiation. The medium is scanned with a strongly collimated light beam (2). The light power (P.sub.b) scattered backward from the medium is detected by a receiver (17) and plotted along the scanning path. Objects (4) buried in the medium (9) are detected by the differential variation of the received light power. Information as to the size, location and depth of the objects can be obtained. The illumination by strongly collimated laser light at one or several wavelengths is preferred.