<title>Underwater electro-optical system for mine identification</title>

Abstract

The Electro-Optic Identification (EOID) Sensors project is developing a Laser Visual Iidentification Sensor (LVIS) for identification of proud, partially buried, and moored mines in shallow water/very shallow water. LVIS will be deployed in small diameter underwater vehicles, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Since the mission is mine identification, LVIS must: a) deliver high quality images in turbid coastal waters, while b) being compatible with the size and power constraints imposed by the intended deployment platforms. This project is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, as a part of the AOA Mine Reconnaissance/Hunter program. High quality images which retain target detail and contrast are required for mine identification. LVIS will be designed to produce images of minelike contacts (MLC) of sufficient quality to allow identification while operating in turbid coastal waters from a small diameter UUV. Technology goals for the first generation LVIS are a) identification range up to 40 feet for proud, partially buried, and moored MLCs under coastal water conditions; b) day/night operation from a UUV operating at speeds up to 4 knots; c) power consumption less than 500 watts, with 275 watts being typical; and d) packaged within a 32-inch long portion of a 21-inch diameter vehicle section.