Abstract : The long-term goal of this research is to advance the knowledge necessary to develop wide-swath laser-based underwater imaging systems that provide greater sensitivity over longer ranges than existing systems. In addition, since existing imaging systems are physically incompatible with small form-factor Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), this effort concentrated on methods specifically aimed at size reduction while improving or maintaining image performance. The primary application for these systems is in imaging both natural and man-made objects in aquatic environments.