Characterization of the OPAL Obscurant Penetrating LiDAR in various Degraded Visual Environments

摘要

The OPAL obscurant penetrating LiDAR was developed by Neptec and characterized in various degraded visual environments (DVE) over the past five years. Quantitative evaluations of obscurant penetration were performed using the Defence R&D Canada - Valcartier (DRDC Valcartier) instrumented aerosol chamber for obscurants such as dust and fog. Experiments were done with the sensor both at a standoff distance and totally engulfed in the obscurants. Field trials were also done to characterize the sensor in snow conditions and in smoke. Finally, the OPAL was also mounted on a Bell 412 helicopter to characterize its dust penetration capabilities, in environment such as Yuma Proving Ground. The paper provides a summary of the results of the OPAL evaluations demonstrating it to be a true "see through" obscurant penetrating LiDAR and explores commercial applications of the technology.