SBIR-STTR Award

Traditional imaging laser radar (IRL) systems perform a variety of mission-critical functions, including target detection and recognition, and precision weapon delivery. The recent decade has produced significant advances in ILR capabilities. New components, such as diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) lasers and InGaAs avalanche photodetectors (APDs), have enabled construction of compact, high-performance ILRs that operate at eye-safe wavelengths. There have been significant advances in related support technology such as fiber optics, high-speed microelectronics, and diffractive optics. These advances present opportunities to expand the conventional role of IRLs. The new high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) lasers and high performance multichannel optical receivers can provide convert communication, formation station keeping, collision avoidance, threat warning, and automated landing capabilities. Multichannel, fiber-optic "backbones" can connect a single central optical processor to multiple, perimeter-distributed conformal apertures. The Phase I research will focus on a multichannel, fiber optic, signal distribution scheme. We will apply a variation of this basic concept to a compact focal plan scanner. We will investigate a new concept for a compact lens system, with consideration of replicated diffractive optics to further reduce the weight and cost. Our goal is to develop a versatile, robust, active IR system architecture, along with several critical components for the next generation autonomous laser-guided weapons.

During the Phase I program, we investigated and qualified several enabling technologies needed to field an adaptive, multifunction, EO systems (AMBOS) for performing tactical, airborne, mission-critical functions such as target detection and recognition, threat warning, collision avoidance, and terrain following. Three novel concepts in the areas of optical duplexing, optical multiplexing, and shared-aperture transmit/receive optics were investigated and showed much promise based upon laboratory test results. We propose to further advance the AMEOS enabling technologies in the Phase II program. In Phase I, the optical duplexer and optical multiplexer were fabricated from multimode optical fibers. In Phase II, we will evaluate polymer-waveguide duplexers and multiplexers--a technology with the potential for high-volume, low-cost production. The cemented0dobulet used in Phase I for the objective lens of the novel, folded, transmit/receive optical configuration will be replaced in Phase II by a diffractive/refractive lens to reduce weight and improve performance. As a contract option, we will design, build, and test eight-layer stacks of polymer-waveguide duplexers and eight-channel polymer-waveguide arrays suitable for multichannel duplexing and multiplexing.

Keywords:
Imaging Laser Radar, Optical Duplexer, Autonomous Weapon Guidance, Optical Multiplexer, Hybrid Optic