High Energy Laser and Laser Illumination Optics Improvements

Current MDA High Energy Laser systems have can greatly benefit from more agile scanning optical systems.'' This proposal focuses on improving key characteristics of LHDC''s current scanners. These characteristics include scan performance, step response, pointing accuracy and optical coating survivability by utilizing innovative scanner mirror substrate materials and actuator configurations. Additionally LHDC’s proven large field of regard, minimal size and mass must be maintained for space applications. Innovations to reduce power consumption and dissipation, minimize servo control bandwidth limitations and enhance optical coating survivability are to be introduced to achieve greater scanner performance. A key innovation is the introduction of advanced scanner substrate materials like silicon carbide and silicon carbide foam.