Multi-Laser Optical Sensing Payload for Autonomous Undersea Platforms

This research effort develops and demonstrates new laser-wavelength auto-selection algorithms and ocean optical sensing systems based on retroreflection for expanded data collection of inherent optical properties and future optimization of optical communications. Underwater testing in relevant seawater environments succeeded and was contingent on several accomplishments, including developing robust algorithms for professional microcontrollers, integrating advanced opto-electronics on a small brassboard, and engineering a professional, water-tight pressure vessel suitable for field testing. The project validates key enablers-autonomy, oceanic optical sensing, and free-space propagation-for autonomous or remote undersea platforms with low size, weight, and power. The complete design for a handheld-sided, multi-laser optical sensing payload is presented.