Shared Aperture Polarization Grating-Controlled Enhanced Steering System

To address the Air Force"s need for a non-mechanical beam-steering device in a FLIR(r)/LADAR system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Shared Aperture Polarization Grating-Controlled Enhanced Steering (SHAPES) system. This system utilizes liquid crystal polarization gratings in conjunction with volume holographic gratings recorded in layers of photopolymer to achieve multi-axis beam steering for a 90°90°large field of regard (FOR). Using holographic gratings possessing a narrow spectral selectivity ensures a minimal effect on the FLIR imager, meeting the Air Force"s requirements. The innovation in the SHAPES system involves the separated beam-steering modules which combine the switchable steering capabilities of polarization gratings with the angle magnifying properties of holographic gratings based on high efficiency volume holograms for enhanced FOR. In Phase I, POC will develop a baseline design capable of beam steering to multiple points up to a 45°deflection angle along a single axis and demonstrate the feasibility of increasing the number of steer points while maintaining a high transmittance in the mid wave infrared (MWIR). In Phase II, POC plans to demonstrate a multi-axis beam-steering system that is compatible with a 3D LADAR and FLIR imaging system.