Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for a resonant scanner for three-dimensional (3D) mapping. The system, apparatus, and method employ a small, lightweight articulating device that performs as a 3D Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) laser from a moving scanner platform in a way that provides geolocation and takes advantage of mechanical resonance to amplify motion in the tilt axis. The device is used to map terrain in 3D space. The disclosed method involves resonating the scanner platform of the device with a spring about a pivot. The method further involves determining with a position sensor the tilt position and/or resonance rate of the scanner platform. Further, the method involves applying torque with an actuator to the scanner platform, and controlling with a controller the resonance of the scanner platform.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for a resonant scanner for three-dimensional (3D) mapping. The system, apparatus, and method employ a small, lightweight articulating device that performs as a 3D Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) laser from a moving scanner platform in a way that provides geolocation and takes advantage of mechanical resonance to amplify motion in the tilt axis. The device is used to map terrain in 3D space. The disclosed method involves resonating the scanner platform of the device with a spring about a pivot. The method further involves determining with a position sensor the tilt position and/or resonance rate of the scanner platform. Further, the method involves applying torque with an actuator to the scanner platform, and controlling with a controller the resonance of the scanner platform.

Abstract: To greatly increase the sensitivity of a Heterodyne Ladar System, the receiver incorporates an optical preamplifier to amplify the ladar return signal prior to detection. This results in an increase in return signal power on the order of 25 dB. Spontaneous emission noise added by the fiber amplifier counters this gain in a normal scheme. The proposed receiver, however, incorporates a Polarization Optical Mixer to perform balanced mixing, thus rejecting added spontaneous emission beat noise terms and resulting in a large increase in system sensitivity.