Alakai Defense Systems, Inc.

Kenneth R Pohl

Robert Douglas Waterbury

Darius Vunck

Christopher Neglia

Alan T Ford

Ed Dottery

Frank Vilardi

Edwin L Dottery

The present invention comprises a novel approach for determining range to a target using the inelastic scattering of light from the target and/or inelastic scattering of light from molecules between the light emitting source and the target. This is a useful approach in that the range measurement is independent of the retroreflectivity or absorptivity of the target. Using this methodology allows optical detection and rangefinding of targets which by intention or otherwise cannot be detected using conventional LIDAR rangefinding.

Method for detecting a distant target and measuring the target distance using inelastically scattered light

The present invention comprises a novel approach for optimizing detection performance of a standoff optical detection system using the inelastic scattering of light from the target and/or inelastic scattering of light from molecules between the light emitting source and the target. This is a useful approach primarily for systems which already employ a pulsed light source, a detector, and a timing mechanism but whose primary function is not the detection of range. Using this methodology removes the need to deploy a secondary device to find range or augments the ability of any included range finder to widen the overall system operating envelope, reliability, and performance.

Method for optimizing detection of inelastically scattered light from a distant target by measuring the target distance using inelastically scattered light

A system comprises a processing system, a laser system, a telescope system, a detector system and optical systems operatively arranged such that the laser system may be capable of outputting multiple wavelengths to a common telescope system, and the detector system is capable of receiving signatures from the same telescope system, under the control of a control system. The processor system processes signals received from the detector system to determine substances identified by known signatures. For example, a plurality of detectors in the detector system each receive a range of wavelengths of the signatures received by the telescope system. For example, a variable beam diverger and variable beam expander operatively control expansion and divergence of the output the laser system. For example, a beam reducer and lenslet array may operatively transmit signatures via optical fiber bundle to one or more of the detectors.

Laser detection system having an output beam directed through a telescope

A source of light that could cause ocular damage within a given range from the source of light, such as a first laser, is accompanied by an optical hazard avoidance device, such as a second laser, that stimulates voluntary, involuntary, or both voluntary and involuntary responses, either physiological or behavioral or both physiological and behavioral, within one or more hazard zones, such as by inducing gaze aversion within the viewer. For example, a visible laser beam induces gaze aversion, pupil contraction or a combination of gaze aversion and pupil contraction, reducing the dose rate or exposure of the ocular tissue to damaging radiation from a primary source. In one example, the primary source is a UV Raman detector and the visible laser beam is selected to induce gaze aversion.

Growing community of inventors

Clearwater, FL, United States of America

Kenneth R Pohl