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Intra-Subaperture Adaptive Optical (ISAO) System

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9451-13-M-0066
Agency Tracking Number: F12B-T13-0092
Amount: $149,999.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF12-BT13
Solicitation Number: 2012.B
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-01-29
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2013-10-30
Small Business Information
4665 Nautilus Ct. S. STE 500
Boulder, CO -
United States
DUNS: 619597995
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeffrey Barchers
 President
 (303) 530-2002
 jbarchers@naosystems.com
Business Contact
 Jeffrey Barchers
Title: President
Phone: (303) 530-2002
Email: jbarchers@naosystems.com
Research Institution
 University of California, LA
 Jeanne D Pass
 
Office of Industry Sponsored R 11000 Kinross Avenue Suite 200
Los Angeles CA, CA 90095-
United States

 (310) 794-0135
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

ABSTRACT: Current and projected limitations on the maximum power from a high power single mode fiber laser amplifier impose architectural limitations on a high power phased array laser weapon system. Prior studies strongly indicate that when faced with this limitation the optimal approach is (to borrow the term for Paul McManamon) a Phased Array of Phased Arrays (PAPA) geometry wherein large(r) subapertures are compensated using an Intra-Subaperture Adaptive Optical (ISAO) system within each subaperture, reducing the number of subapertures that must be phased for the full array [Nutronics, Inc. Conformal Laser Weapon System Phase I Final Report 21 March 2011]. This approach in turn imposes a requirement to compensate for atmospheric aberrations within a subaperture. Our team (comprised of Nutronics, Inc., UCLA, and Optical Physics Company) propose to investigate the trade space of options for ISAO systems and develop a conceptual design for a demonstrator to be developed during a potential follow-on Phase 2 effort. The trade space will include conventional options that utilize a small DM in the subaperture as well as off-loading ISAO wavefront sensor outputs to in-line electro-optic modulators in the outgoing beam path. BENEFIT: The proposed effort has numerous potential benefits and commercial applications, including (but not limited to): laser communication, space situational awareness, astronomical ground based imaging, laser radar, laser rangefinding, aircraft self defense (both commercial and military), air-base defense, ship self-defense, and tactical precision strike.

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

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