High Accuracy Laser Beam Rider Detection

A laser warning sensor capable of detecting laser beam riders that are being used with ATGMs will be developed using a dispersive element and a multi-pixel focal plane array. A field test (FT) sensor using this technology was built and tested at a NATO test against laser beam riders, laser range finders and laser target markers. The resolution of this sensor was 0.175 degrees. Requirements will be gathered in the first phase of the project. Based on the requirements, changes to the FT sensor will be made. The FT sensor will be used to evaluate new components and serve as the basis of the breadboard sensor that will be built for this SBIR. The sensor will accurately locate the laser source and the laser wavelength and work with continuous wave and pulsed lasers. The sensors similarity to a current missile warning sensor will allow new laser warning sensor to quickly mature to a fielded sensor.