Detection and localization of near infrared lasers from atmospheric laser scattering

The identification and localization of laser threats in a free-space channel is an increasingly important capability as active laser sensors become more widely used in civilian and military applications. Early identification of a laser source requires o-axis detection of laser light scattered out of the optical channel by molecules and aerosols in the free-space channel. In this work we report on the development of a sensor system for the o-axis detection of scattered laser light from a non-cooperative laser source. An image processing approach to the detection and localization of a laser in a scene is presented. The performance of the sensor system is quantified with experiments performed inside the laboratory and in realistic daylight background conditions.