Broadband Beam Steering Devices for Midwave Infrared (MWIR)

Multi-band beam steering technology for mid-wave infrared (MWIR) applications is proposed.To enable this low cost, size, weight and power (C-SWaP) approach, wide angle non-mechanical beam steering (NMBS) will be implemented using liquid crystal polarization grating (LCPG) technology complemented with a continuous fine steering component. The technology will be implemented at two MWIR laser wavelengths.For Phase II Boulder Nonlinear Systems and our teaming partners, Exciting Technology and LC Vision, propose to construct a dual aperture MWIR beam steering breadboard for evaluation of the technology at two MWIR laser wavelengths.The architecture will be based on a fine/coarse approach in which a small angle continuous beam steering component feeds a coarse steering subsystem which will demonstrate the potential for continuous coverage over a wide field of regard. The response time for random access redirect anywhere in the field of regard will be less than 10 ms.Each aperture will be able to handle at least 10 W of optical power at its design wavelength over a 1 inch diameter.