Electrical and Computer Engineering
Clarkson University
Nicholas C. Sparks presents:
Development of an SDR-Based SFCW LiDAR System with Backscatter Compensation for Enhanced Underwater Range Estimation
April 29, 2025
2:00-3:00 PM
CAMP 120B
Abstract:
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is an important technology for 3D scanning which is essential for monitoring critical infrastructure. Operating these systems underwater introduces unique challenges due to the large number of particles present in natural water. These interactions result in a reduced target signal and a secondary return from the medium. Due to these effects, different approaches must be used to maintain operational range and target accuracy. We will present the challenges of creating a LiDAR system for underwater operation based on Software Defined Radio (SDR) and an approach to mitigate the effects of backscattered light.
Software Defined Radio has seen increasing use in RADAR applications due to its flexibility and ease of development. However, its application in LiDAR systems remains largely unexplored. This work investigates the design challenges of implementing an SDR-based LiDAR system to operate in underwater environments. A phase-coherent single and dual frequency LiDAR solution is proposed and implemented using a Red Pitaya SDR. The performance of this system is evaluated in increasingly turbid environments, highlighting the impact on ranging performance.
To improve the performance of SFCW systems, a backscatter estimation and removal method is presented. Using a model based on prior data, the system fits the expected backscatter response of the water across multiple frequencies. Once a best-fit profile is determined, the backscatter effects can be compensated for, resulting in a more accurate estimate of the target location in turbid waters and increasing the systems operational range.
Empirical results will be presented on the performance of the SDR LiDAR system and the proposed backscatter compensation method.
Advisor: William Jemison
Committee members: Abul Khondker, Mahesh Banavar