Beaconless dual-mode wavefront sensor - BlessWFS

ABSTRACT: The U.S. Air Force needs an electro-optical system capable of a mission critical, high-performance system capable of active or passive detection and characterization of the wavefront backscattered by an object of interest. In the novel AS & T solution to the Air Force requirements, a target-scattered coherent or incoherent complex optical field is detected by a dual-form optical sensor. Post-processing of this detected field allows retrieval and complete characterization of the corresponding wavefront. During Phase I AS & T will design and integrate the proof of concept testbed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed beaconless wavefront sensor. During Phase II, AS & T will extend the performance capabilities of the proposed system, design and build a breadboard for verifying and optimizing the predicted system performance, demonstrate and refine laboratory operation, and estimate the working envelope. BENEFIT: An important benefit of the proposed concept is the development of an advanced sensor with unique capabilities that allows detection and characterization of a complex wavefront from a coherent or incoherent illuminated object. The technologies developed under this effort can be applied to various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs, including ground-based systems, airborne usage, or space deployment. In the commercial sector this technology can be applied to air-traffic control, astronomy, microscopy systems, and laser telecom.