Phased Array Beam Steering for High Power Lasers

To enable new directed energy systems which are much lighter, smaller and more efficient, new types of optical phased array beam steering are required. In this Phase I STTR, Triton Systems teamed with our academic partner, will demonstrate a new family of reflective phase modulation elements based on recent advances with a new electro-optic material which has been shown to add dynamic tunability to metamaterials. In this Phase I program, phase control elements will be optimized for wavelengths of interest matched to fiber laser arrays or Diode Pumped Alkali Laser Systems (DPALS). Devices will be fabricated and characterized for optical phase shifts, stability under laser fluence and modulation bandwidth. In Phase II a complete optical reflector array will be designed and demonstrated with an array size sufficient to provide microradian-nanoradian vernier steering in a structure suitable for integration with gimbal large angle steering. Triton will be advised on system requirements and potential transition paths by a major prime contractor acting as transition partner. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7663 (8 January 14)