Extended-Range Atmospheric Sensing Suite (ERASS) for Deep Turbulence Characterization

ABSTRACT: This proposal is focused on concept formulation, design, and development of an innovative end-to-end atmospheric sensing system specifically addressing the deep turbulence challenges that encompass multi-mission and multi-platform utilization of Air Force sensing, surveillance, and weapon systems. This Extended-Range Atmospheric Sensing Suite (ERASS) will include a set of sensors at three different wavelengths (0.53, 1.06, and 1.55 micron), will be capable of operating in strong-scintillation conditions over long (>100 km) propagation paths, and will provide both near and far-field measurements of major atmospheric turbulence, laser beam and image characteristics simultaneously at several spatially separated sub-apertures. The ERASS system will include laser illuminator capability for atmospheric diagnostics in target-in-the-loop scenarios with and without beacon, including analysis and characterization of target-return speckle fields and anisoplanatic effects. The ERASS system will also provide measurements of correlation between various wavefront phase components for both bi-static and mono-static optical system configurations. The ERASS system components will be tested in the laboratory and under the 7 km long atmospheric propagation path at UD facilities in Phase I, and the fully integrated system over long-range propagation path (150 km) during the Phase II. ERASS system will also include advanced tools for data processing and predictive modeling. BENEFIT: The proposed development will partially fill the existing gap in the understanding and assessment of deep turbulence effects on laser beam and image propagation in strong scintillation and anisoplanatic conditions by providing the DOD with a common atmospheric diagnostic suite that currently does not exist. The ERASS system will also provide data urgently needed for the development of long-range imaging, tracking, and directed energy systems as well as for verification of beam and image propagation models.