3D Flash LIDAR Megapixel High Speed Array

CMOS Fabrication processing improvements have become available that can shrink the unit cell size and increase the sample rates of 3D Flash LIDAR arrays allowing or significant improvement in both range and spatial resolution. ASC is proposing to design and simulate the architecture for a high speed (2 GHz) high resolution 3DFPA, running at nearly 5 times the current sample rate (430MHz) of the 128x128, and with compact pixel geometries scalable to 1 megapixel arrays. This effort would help to push the state of the art of Flash LIDAR from 128x128 3cm resolution arrays to 1024x1024 arrays with millimeter and possible sub-millimeter resolution. Flash LIDAR systems are 3D video cameras that capture an entire frame of data from a single pulse of light. Therefore, platform motion and vibration will not affect the measurements; furthermore this motion can be used to enhance the resolution of the sensor. This is not true for any other laser-ranging systems. Since Flash LIDAR is a time of flight system, the range maps are a direct real time data product. With no moving parts, the system is smaller, lighter, requires less power, and is more rugged, providing longer operational life than traditional approaches.

Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. (ASC) has been developing 3D Flash LIDAR for space applications. The commercial versions of the sensor has be used in docking applications with the International Space Station (ISS) and space qualified versions are under development for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid rendezvous mission as well as the Commercial Crew Transport Capability (CCtCap). The Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) sensor used ASC's 3D Flash LIDAR for the autonomous landing demonstrations with Morpheous. Potential NASA Applications include: -Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) -Commercial Resupply (CRS) to the International Space Station -Commercial Crew Transport Capability (CCtCap) -Planetary Entry Decent & Landing and ALHAT -Rover Mobility and Navigation -Space Situational Awareness

Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. (ASC) has been developing 3D Flash LIDAR for many commercial applications for autonomous vehicles and collision avoidance . Commercial applications include collision avoidance to save pedestrians and prevent vehicle damage, Mid-Air Refueling, Surveillance, Terrain Mapping, Autonomous Navigation for unmanned ground, air and surface vehicles. The 3D maps created by the system will be useful to avoid automobile accidents and guide robots for Hazard Material Detection and Handling.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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