Adaptive Optics System for Ultra-short Pulse Lasers (USPL)

Optical Physics Company (OPC) in cooperation with PM & AM Research is proposing to develop an adaptive optics system that will enable an ultra short pulse laser (USPL) illuminator to operate reliably and with high precision from an air platform at 6,000-20,000 foot altitude at up to 10 km range. A large aperture primary mirror is combined with fast adaptive optics and closed loop range control to overcome the variations in ionization range caused by changeable atmospheric conditions and turbulence-induced filamentation. The larger aperture creates a sharper rise of intensity near the target and allows more accurate control of the ionizing transition. During the base Phase I effort the OPC-PM & AM team will develop an end-to-end system design and verify its operation in wave-optic simulation leading to a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) at the end of the base effort. During the Phase I option a Phase II prototype design will be completed for manufacturing and field testing over several kilometers under a wide range of atmospheric conditions in Phase II. This includes identification of all components and mechanical layouts with an updated performance model based on the hardware parameters of the components selected. The Phase I option will end with a Critical Design Review (CDR).