N13A-T027 TITLE: Wide Spectral Band Laser Threat Sensor

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop a large dynamic range passive sensor capable of identifying and localizing laser sources over a wide spectral band from 500 nm to 11 um.

DESCRIPTION: The broad use of lasers in military tracking systems as well as the developing use of high energy laser weapons on the battlefield poses a risk to US forces. Early detection of these threats allows for threat identification, asset protection and counter-methods. The broad spectral range and irradiance levels used within these systems complicates a robust sensing approach. Two primary challenges where existing sensors fall short are sufficient dynamic range and spectral range. New sensing methodologies are needed to meet these requirements accounting for the wide use of lasers from visible (down to 500 nm) out to long wave infrared (out to 11 um). The sensors should be capable of sensing irradiance levels from 1 mW/cm2 to 2 kW/cm2.

The sensor must also have the ability to measure characteristics about the threat as well as determine the line of sight vector to the threat. Characteristics to help in threat identification include wavelength, pulse repetition frequency, and pulse width. Threat localization should provide accuracy to 1 degree or better with a near hemispherical field of regard. Sensor size, weight and power should be minimized for easy adaptation on unmanned air vehicles without significant impact. The sensor should also allow for integration into an aircraft, watercraft, or ground vehicle allowing for the sensor data to be conveyed to the vehicle system.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of a sensor meeting the dynamic range, spectral range, and threat characterization measurements in a low SWaP package. Perform sensor architecture design and key optical and detector trades.

PHASE II: Develop and test a prototype sensor. Perform lab testing to identify the performance capability. Perform a field demonstration showing capability against a number of simulated threats in a relevant environment.

PHASE III: Upon success of Phase II, the company will support the Navy in transitioning the technology to target platforms where the sensor would be integrated into the vehicles for threat detection and countering mechanisms. Detector technology can additionally be leveraged into new wide band ISR applications.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The technology can be employed on commercial aircraft to identify, protect, and mitigate the use of commercial-grade lasers against pilots. Broad band sensor technologies can be used for commercial surveillance applications

REFERENCES:
1. "Full Spectral Imaging: A Revisited Approach to Remote Sensing", J. Bolton, http://fullspectralimaging.net/Documents/FSI-Paper.pdf

2. "Lasers and Aviation Safety", Patrick Murphy, International Laser Display Association, Version 2.2, September 10, 2009, http://www.laserist.org/files/Lasers-and-aviation-safety_2pt2.pdf <http://fullspectralimaging.net/Documents/FSI-Paper.pdf>

3. "India Looks at Laser Weapons for Air and Missile Defense," Jay Menon, Aviation Week, April 28, 2011.

4. "Program Overview of AN/AVR-2B(V) Laser Detecting Set and Training Devices", Wayne Morton, AME/ASE Symposium, 14 Dec 05, http://65.18.194.107/~admin1/images/pdf/05_ASE/05ASE_WayneMorton.ppt <http://65.18.194.107/%7Eadmin1/images/pdf/05_ASE/05ASE_WayneMorton.ppt> .

5. "Revealed: N Korea fires laser at U.S. Troops" Bill Gertz, THE WASHINGTON TIMES, May 13, 2003, http://www.gertzfile.com/gertzfile/article5.13.03.html