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Dive into the research topics where Robert J. Grasso is active.

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Featured researches published by Robert J. Grasso.


Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering | 2005

A novel low-cost targeting system (LCTS) based upon a high-resolution 2D imaging laser radar

Robert J. Grasso; Jefferson E. Odhner; John C. Wikman; Fred W. Skaluba; George F. Dippel; Robert V. McDaniel; David S. Ferrell; William Seibel

BAE SYSTEMS has developed a Low Cost Targeting System (LCTS) consisting of a FLIR for target detection, laser-illuminated, gated imaging for target identification, laser rangefinder and designator, GPS positioning, and auto-tracking capability within a small compact system size. This system has proven its ability to acquire targets, range and identify these targets, and designate or provide precise geo-location coordinates to these targets. The system is based upon BAE Systems proven micro-bolometer passive LWIR camera coupled with Intevacs new EBAPS camera. A dual wavelength diode pumped laser provides eyesafe ranging and target illumination, as well as designation; a custom detector module senses the return pulse for target ranging and to set the range gates for the gated camera. Intevacs camera is a CMOS based device with used selectable gate widths and can read at up to 28 frames/second when operated in VGA mode. The Transferred Electron photocathode enables high performance imaging in the SWIR band by enabling single photon detection at high quantum efficiency. Trials show that the current detectors offer complete extinction of signals outside of the gated range, thus, providing high resolution within the gated region. The images have shown high spatial resolution arising from the use of solid state focal plane array technology. Imagery has been collected in both the laboratory and the field to verify system performance during a variety of operating conditions.


Remote Sensing | 1999

OASYS laser radar characterization of natural and manmade terrestrial features

Robert J. Grasso; Adam C. P. Pratty; Christopher M. Vann; Clinton G. Stimson; James E. Ackleson

Performance of the Northrop Grumman Obstacle Avoidance Laser Radar System (OASYS) has been characterized against various terrestrial targets. OASYS is capable of discriminating and identifying objects from a complementary background as well as producing high-resolution laser radar imagery. Its primary function alerts pilots to obstacles in a helicopter flight path; thus, allowing evasive maneuvers to be performed to avoid collision. Primary obstacles encountered are: (1) wires; (2) trees; (3) transmission towers; (4) vertical poles; (5) structures, and; (6) terrain. Of these, wires are the most difficult to detect due to their small cross section. A simple, but very effective object identification algorithm is utilized which unerringly communicates large volumes of detected object data to the pilot, or to the recording computer for later analysis. In the program reported here, laser radar images of various terrestrial objects were obtained and their properties measured. In this manner a database of object signatures, cross-sections, and images is obtained. These objects include: (1) wires of various diameter and reflectivity; (2) trees and vegetation; (3) large and small vertical objects including transmission towers and poles; (4) buildings and structures, and (5) various terrain types.


Proceedings of SPIE | 2016

Defence and security applications of quantum cascade lasers

Robert J. Grasso

Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL) have seen tremendous recent application in the realm of Defence and Security. And, in many instances replacing traditional solid state lasers as the source of choice for Countermeasures, Remote Sensing, In-situ Sensing, Through-Barrier Sensing, and many others. Following their development and demonstration in the early 1990s, QCL’s reached some maturity and specific defence and security application prior to 2005; with much initial development fostered by DARPA initiatives in the US, dstl, MoD, and EOARD funding initiatives in the UK, and University level R&D such as those by Prof Manijeh Razeghi at Northwestern University [1], and Prof Ted Masselink at Humboldt University [2]. As QCL’s provide direct mid-IR laser output for electrical input, they demonstrate high quantum efficiency compared with diode pumped solid state lasers with optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) to generate mid-Infrared output. One particular advantage of QCLs is their very broad operational bandwidth, extending from the terahertz to the near-infrared spectral regions. Defence and Security areas benefiting from QCLs include: Countermeasures, Remote Sensing, Through-the-Wall Sensing, and Explosive Detection. All information used to construct this paper obtained from open sources.


International Journal of High Speed Electronics and Systems | 2008

A HIGH-RESOLUTION 2D IMAGING LASER RADAR FOR OCCLUDED HARD TARGET VIEWING AND IDENTIFICATION

Robert J. Grasso; John C. Wikman; David P. Drouin; George F. Dippel; Paul I. Egbert

BAE SYSTEMS has developed a Low Cost Targeting System (LCTS) consisting of a FLIR for target detection, laser-illuminated, gated imaging for target identification, laser rangefinder and designator, GPS positioning, and auto-tracking capability within a small compact system size. The system is based upon BAE Systems proven micro-bolometer passive LWIR camera coupled with Intevacs new EBAPS camera. A dual wavelength diode pumped laser provides eyesafe ranging and target illumination, as well as designation; a custom detector module senses the return pulse for target ranging and to set the range gates for the gated camera. Trials show that the current detectors offer complete extinction of signals outside of the gated range, thus, providing high resolution within the gated region. The images have shown high spatial resolution arising from the use of solid state focal plane array technology. Imagery has been collected in both the laboratory and the field to verify system performance during a variety of operating conditions.


Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering | 2007

Occluded target viewing and identification high-resolution 2D imaging laser radar

Robert J. Grasso; George F. Dippel; Kristen D. Cecchetti; John C. Wikman; David P. Drouin; Paul I. Egbert

BAE SYSTEMS has developed a high-resolution 2D imaging laser radar (LADAR) system that has proven its ability to detect and identify hard targets in occluded environments, through battlefield obscurants, and through naturally occurring image-degrading atmospheres. Limitations of passive infrared imaging for target identification using medium wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long wavelength infrared (LWIR) atmospheric windows are well known. Of particular concern is that as wavelength is increased the aperture must be increased to maintain resolution, hence, driving apertures to be very larger for long-range identification; impractical because of size, weight, and optics cost. Conversely, at smaller apertures and with large f-numbers images may become photon starved with long integration times. Here, images are most susceptible to distortion from atmospheric turbulence, platform vibration, or both. Additionally, long-range identification using passive thermal imaging is clutter limited arising from objects in close proximity to the target object.


Proceedings of SPIE | 2007

An accurate modeling, simulation, and analysis tool for predicting and estimating Raman LIDAR system performance

Robert J. Grasso; Leonard P. Russo; John L. Barrett; Jefferson E. Odhner; Paul I. Egbert

BAE Systems presents the results of a program to model the performance of Raman LIDAR systems for the remote detection of atmospheric gases, air polluting hydrocarbons, chemical and biological weapons, and other molecular species of interest. Our model, which integrates remote Raman spectroscopy, 2D and 3D LADAR, and USAF atmospheric propagation codes permits accurate determination of the performance of a Raman LIDAR system. The very high predictive performance accuracy of our model is due to the very accurate calculation of the differential scattering cross section for the specie of interest at user selected wavelengths. We show excellent correlation of our calculated cross section data, used in our model, with experimental data obtained from both laboratory measurements and the published literature. In addition, the use of standard USAF atmospheric models provides very accurate determination of the atmospheric extinction at both the excitation and Raman shifted wavelengths.


Proceedings of SPIE | 2005

Novel linear phase conjugation atmospheric turbulence compensation concept based upon real-time interactive media sampling holography for target-in-the-loop

Robert J. Grasso; Leonard E. Russo; Robert V. McDaniel

BAE Systems reports on a concept utilizing a holographic approach to linear phase conjugation to compensate for atmospheric induced aberrations that severely limit laser performance. In an effort to improve beam quality, fine aimpoint control, and energy delivered to the target, BAE Systems has developed a novel aberration compensation technique. This technique, Holographic Adaptive Tracking (HAT), utilizes a Spatial Light Modulator as a dynamic wavefront reversing element to undo aberrations induced by the atmosphere, platform motion, or both. BAE Systems aberration compensation technique results in a high fidelity, near-diffraction limited laser beam delivered to the target.


Proceedings of SPIE | 2005

A polyspectral LADAR optical breakscreen projectile sensor for reactive countermeasure queuing

Robert J. Grasso; Patricia Bodan; M. J. Smith; Jefferson E. Odhner; Eldon M. Sutphin; John A. McNeil; Robert V. McDaniel

An optical polyspectral sensor has been developed and tested which calculates the magnitude and directional velocity of an incoming projectile to queue a reactive countermeasure. This paper describes the sensor modeling, sensitivity analysis, and experimental results of a sensor consisting of four sheets of light. Sensor application could be extended to all projectiles that present a measurable laser radar cross section to the sensor.


Remote Sensing | 2004

Laser radar range and detection performance for MEMS corner cube retroreflector arrays

Robert J. Grasso; Jefferson E. Odhner; Hamilton Stewart; Robert V. McDaniel

BAE SYSTEMS reports on a program to characterize the performance of MEMS corner cube retroreflector arrays under laser illumination. These arrays have significant military and commercial application in the areas of: (1) target identification; (2) target tracking; (3) target location; (4) identification friend-or-foe (IFF); (5) parcel tracking, and; (6) search and rescue assistance. BAE SYSTEMS has theoretically determined the feasibility of these devices to learn if sufficient signal-to-noise performance exists to permit a cooperative laser radar sensor to be considered for device location and interrogation. Results indicate that modest power-apertures are required to achieve SNR performance consistent with high probability of detection and low false alarm rates.


Archive | 2006

Method and apparatus for compensating for atmospheric turbulence based on holographic atmospheric turbulence sampling

Robert J. Grasso; Leonard E. Russo; Robert V. McDaniel

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