Laser Scanning Systems
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Laser scanning systems for underwater research

Laser scanning systems for underwater research

 

 

Bathymetric devices using powerful lasers to scan below the water surface used for the study of coastal sea waters. Equipment in walking into a complex weighs about 300 kg and for scanning, require aircraft with sufficient capacity.

In order to reduce costs and speed up the work of the group of scientists from the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), has developed a new approach to research using compact equipment. New technologies in the field of active opto-electronic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, allow the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), significantly reducing the cost of flights.

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI)

And, in contrast to currently available systems, AOO-ISR technology is designed to collect and transmit data in real time, which allows the study, high-resolution, 3 D underwater images at high speed, accuracy and ease of use.

These additional features may be used in the military field to mine and anti-submarine reconnaissance and terrain mapping surveys.

Lidar system expanded ISR capability in military intelligence and naval units.

Scientists have developed a new ISTU, light lidar, a prototype that has been successfully tested. A team of scientists has completed a project to deploy a medium-sized bathymetric device that has 2 times metshy weight, size and power consumption compared to existing devices.

 

Measurements with the laser light

 

The leader uses a powerful high-frequency green laser, which allows it to penetrate into the water column to a considerable depth. Laser beams emitted at a frequency 1 / 10000 seconds, produce accurate images of objects under water.
There are several problems, one of which is that when tightly focused beam of light emitted by the laser penetrates into water, it loses velocity, particles reflected from water, manifests the effect of refraction. To overcome this effect, describes additional corrective calculations.

The photons of the laser beam in contact with the water dispersed. The effect of this scattering is dependent on the turbidity, the amount of particles contained in the water.

 

Laser water

Because of such effects, lidar systems receive the return signal is weak, the reflected laser beam from the seabed.

 

Improved detection methods

 

The end product derived bathymetric lidar is a three-dimensional point cloud, which represents the bottom with high spatial resolution.

Developed setting allows adjustment of the laser beam impacts on the water column and have an accurate graphical display of objects and seabed.

 

Practical application equipment

 

A new search and discovery which has a smaller size and weight, allows the use of the equipment on the UAV, such as autonomous helicopter, providing an opportunity to explore and examine the vast tracts of sea area.
The long-term goal of the research is the use of the research group AOO-ISR technology for use on small UAVs with a full load 15 kg. For offshore exploration and data comparing the results in real time. Most of the information will be processed on the UAV, and only part of the data goes to ground stations. This equipment has good prospects for use in the investigation and detection of submarines and mines.

 

UAV laser

 

Ivan BERESNEV specifically for Avia.pro

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