Wide Spectral Band Laser Threat Sensor

US troops and equipment are increasingly at risk for irradiation by lasers, whether it be from enemy targeting and ranging systems, designators, or high-energy lasers as weapons themselves. Countering the threat requires detection of the incident laser radiation, the direction from which it is originating, and characterization of its wavelength and temporal profile. Nanohmics Inc., in partnership with Professor Gennady Shvets of the University of Texas at Austin, proposes to build, test, and demonstrate a high-performance wide spectral band, high dynamic range laser threat detector and characterization module with an instantaneous field-of-view that exceeds one hemisphere of solid angle. Based on Nanohmics'existing, proven, and patent-pending Argus visible/near-infrared threat sensor (Argus), the innovative Argus-EC (Extended Capability) architecture combines a sophisticated embedded processor with low-cost, novel, and lightweight optical system. The Argus-EC detectors are capable of accurately determining the angle-of-arrival of incident laser radiation, while characterizing the wavelength, spectral width, pulse format, and irradiance of the laser source. If vehicle position and attitude are supplied, Argus-EC can geolocate the laser source, and provide updated threat position information in real time.