Underwater pulsed laser range-gated imaging model and its effect on image degradation and restoration

Abstract

The imaging of underwater objects illuminated by artificial light has been of long-standing interest to investigators working in oceanographic environments. Pulsed lasers together with range-gated technology have been widely used for underwater optical imaging applications. In order to describe the formation of underwater range-gated images, a pulsed laser underwater imaging model based on pulse spatial and temporal broadening is proposed. Experiments based on a self-assembled laser range-gated imaging system were implemented in our laboratory. Results show good agreements between experiments and simulations. Both results also confirm higher image contrast toward the tail region of the target-reflected light. Furthermore, experiments on underwater image blur and restoration are also implemented and show good image recovery results. The modulation transfer function-based restoration mechanism also implies a way to eliminate the blur effect caused by light forward scattering.

A flexible pulsed laser range-gated imaging system

“…In this paper, a flexible pulsed laser range-gated imaging (FPLRGI) system with multi-pulse accumulation method is introduced. Compared to traditional system 13,14 , FPLRGI system has low average power, small size and is portable because of using high pulse repetition frequency.…”

Nonlinear Optical Properties of Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin in Aqueous Solution

“…Underwater laser communication (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6), underwater laser imaging (7)(8)(9)(10) and deep-sea exploration (11)(12)(13)(14)(15) and precision underwater positioning systems (16) have attracted much attention, along with the development of blue and green laser technology. Seawater is a very complex multicomponent aqueous solution.…”