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Adaptive Optics System for Mitigating Deep Atmospheric Turbulence Effect

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9451-08-M-0036
Agency Tracking Number: F073-002-0044
Amount: $99,981.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF073-002
Solicitation Number: 2007.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2007
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2008-01-18
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2009-01-20
Small Business Information
2572 White Road
Irvine, CA 92614
United States
DUNS: 188465819
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Vladimir Markov
 V.P. & Dir. of Applied Optics Div
 (949) 553-0688
 vmarkov@metrolaserinc.com
Business Contact
 Cecil Hess
Title: President
Phone: (949) 553-0688
Email: cecilh@metrolaserinc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Efficient laser beam delivery on a distant extended target remains a key problem for practical implementation of laser systems. Since the conventional target-in-the-loop (TIL) adaptive optic concept is generally not effective in many operational environments, new solutions are needed. MetroLaser has developed an innovative approach for a TIL method to be applied for effective compensation of deep, turbulence-induced laser beam aberrations. The effect of compensation is based on building up a point-source beacon on a target and instantaneous detection of the complete wavefront formed by the beacon. The proposed approach is based on the analogy between the concepts of a TIL system and a laser resonator. Controlling the position and structure of the laser beam on the target at the image plane of the system enables essential reduction in the beacon formation time. During Phase I, we will study the operational performance of the proposed methods. The results will facilitate determining the optimal parameters of beacon formation on a scattering surface target for a laser beam propagating through a deep, turbulent atmosphere. This will reduce program risk and will lead to a robust brassboard system design that will be built, tested, and validated in Phase II.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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