Image processing inspired technique for enhancing performance of the underwater modulated pulse laser system

David W. Illig; Robert Lee; Linda Mullen

doi:10.1117/1.OE.57.10.107104

29 October 2018 Image processing inspired technique for enhancing performance of the underwater modulated pulse laser system

David W. Illig, Robert Lee, Linda Mullen

Author Affiliations +

Funded by: Naval Innovative Science and Engineering Program

Optical Engineering, Vol. 57, Issue 10, 107104 (October 2018). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.57.10.107104

Abstract

A processing technique for enhancing imagery and ranging data collected by an underwater modulated pulse laser system is presented. Laser-based sensors offer high-resolution and high-accuracy for imaging and ranging applications in the underwater environment. However, these capabilities can be degraded in turbid waters due to scattering. We present experimental results demonstrating a technique inspired by image processing which reduces the effects of both backscatter and forward scatter. By combining individual return waveforms of the modulated pulse laser system together and applying the processing approach as described, images can be formed in which an object in the scene can be distinguished from scatter using an edge detector. Results obtained by applying the technique to laboratory experimental data are presented and compared to a baseline approach. Useful three-dimensional imagery was generated out to 6.9 attenuation lengths, a 25% improvement over the baseline. In range finding experiments without a range-gate, a test object was detected at 11.1 attenuation lengths downrange, compared to 5.7 attenuation lengths for the baseline.

Citation Download Citation

David W. Illig, Robert Lee, and Linda Mullen "Image processing inspired technique for enhancing performance of the underwater modulated pulse laser system," Optical Engineering 57(10), 107104 (29 October 2018). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.57.10.107104

Received: 6 July 2018; Accepted: 5 October 2018; Published: 29 October 2018

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