Acquisition, Pointing and Tracking Applied to Optical Phased Arrays

ABSTRACT: Significant opportunities exist for improving the measurement, estimation, and control processes of phased array transceivers. The proposed effort focuses on the Enhanced IPALS phasing concept, but can be adapted to other phasing concepts. A phased array model will be adapted from existing models, and will include many types of disturbances, such as speckle dynamics, platform vibration, aero-optics, and atmospheric turbulence. The model will account for proper radiometry and the characteristics of available sensors, actuators, and other devices. In preparation for Phase II work, we will demonstrate the feasibility of improving the measurement, phase estimation, and control processes of Enhanced IPALS. Developing these processes to reduce latency, improve stability, and mitigate the effects of disturbances will help the phased array concept become a reality. BENEFIT: The products of this research will include a detailed model of an optical phased array transceiver, and initial results of improvements to the measurement, estimation, and control processes of beam phasing systems. The model will benefit the optical phased array transceiver research community by aiding studies of various hardware and control approaches. The research results of the Phase I effort will provide a foundation for further research in methods of phasing laser beams on a target despite significant disturbances from various sources. Such disturbances will be present in any operational phased array system. The results of this research will be integrated into the design of operational phased array transceivers, enabling them to operate in battlefield conditions.