Waveguide Based Laser Beamsteerers: A Simple, Low Cost and Low SWaP Solution to a Long-Standing Problem

Vescent Photonics proposes to develop new electro-optic (non-mechanical) laser scanners with extremely low cost and Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), thereby enabling use on a variety of previously inaccessible platforms (e.g., soldier mounted, UAV/MAV, UGV, micromunitions, and more). The Vescent EO scanner provides previously unrealizable performance such as sub-millisecond scanning, high resolution (sub microradian) refractive scanning, full 2-D operation with only three control electrodes, and a remarkably wide field of view (270 degrees demonstrated). The focus of this SBIR program is to mature and transition this EO scanner technology for a wide array of Navy and DoD needs. Specific goals include the development of new manufacturing processes that reliably produce high throughput (>80%), low beam distortion (M2<1.5) on cm sized apertures (a round 1 cm beam input and output), low cost, wide-angle (>50o), and low SWaP scanners. In phase I we will experimentally validate new manufacturing processes for high yield production of devices with the required performance attributes. We will also deliver, at the end of phase I, a prototype EO scanner system. In phase II we will increase the TRL and demonstrate EO scanner operation in a relevant military environment.