Active Sensor Technologies for Interceptor Seekers

Advances in compact lasers operating at 1 to 5 microns that require minimal or no cooling during fly-out timelines are required to support future MDA missions. Packaging concepts that enable integration of the transmitter into spaces in and around existing passive detectors and optical elements are highly desired. High peak power short pulse lasers that can switch to high pulse repetition rates for target imaging are also desired. The target acquisition ranges require lasers that can fit within the current interceptor available space and still generate significant pulse energy and repetition rates to achieve the desired operating ranges. Scalable architectures that lead to increased operating ranges are highly desired. Laser configurations must be inherently thermally and mechanically stable over extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and must be capable of operating in high radiation environments. Arete Associates proposes a disruptive new ultra-compact and efficient laser technology called AIRTRAC that promises to meet these stringent requirements. The AIRTRAC configuration combined with Arete"s"coffin"athermal gain module dramatically reduce size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements on severely constrained platforms. AIRTRAC"s self-aligning, dimensionally stable cavity configuration is extremely robust over harsh environmental conditions. Arete will develop proof-of-concept hardware in Phase-I, and will develop, build and test an ultra-compact AIRTRAC prototype in Phase-II that will achieve>100 mJ/pulse at>100 Hz pulse repetition rate.