Transition to the Next Generation High Power Phased Array Transceivers

ABSTRACT: Given the results obtained in the Phase I effort, we are now in a position to advance to the next generation of High Power Phased Array Transceiver Systems. The new approach proposed here is to use enough elements in the phased array to ensure that significant wavefront compensation performance can be obtained with only piston commands. A system of this nature can be developed in two ways, using advanced target-based phasing technology, or by using conventional wavefront sensing technology to determine the relative piston commands in an array of fiber lasers. Both approaches result in system simplicity while eliminating the legacy difficulties associated with a single high power laser and high power deformable mirrors. Both of these new concepts will be evaluated in detail and compared with conventional AO transmitter systems, resulting in one or two conceptual designs that show promise. To ensure practical realizability, both the optical and electronic subsystem detailed designs, as well as the conceptual design for a well instrumented field testbed, will be developed. AFIT will provide analytical and laboratory testing of concepts of interest. Building and field-testing a full-up system will be reserved for Phase II enhancements or Phase III activities. BENEFIT: The proposed effort will develop validated conceptual designs that will serve as the next generation of light-weight laser weapons technology. The methodology for testing these and other concepts will also be developed and applied at our university partner (AFIT) facility.