System Identification for Jitter Algorithms in Beam Control Systems

ABSTRACT: Laser-based directed energy systems are often identified as being game-changing technologies in advancing the mission of the Air Force. Precision efforts, minimal collateral damage, rapid response, and nearly unlimited ammunition are compelling advantages to laser weapon systems. Among the primary challenges to development and deployment is beam control, identified in the 2007 report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Directed Energy Weapons and the more recent 2010 US Air Force Chief Scientist"s Report on Technology Horizons as a necessary focus for science and technology research. This Phase I proposal offers a robust adaptive system for pointing, tracking, and jitter control in advanced laser weapons systems. BENEFIT: Potential commercial applications will be of a military nature, as the effort proposed herein is heavily focused toward advancing strategic and tactical laser system capabilities. Optical communications and military applications such as target locating and unmanned vehicle guidance will benefit from the system identification algorithms developed herein.