Optical Void Sensing for Deeply Buried Hardened Target Penetrators

Aerius Photonics proposes an optical void sensor that will meet the objectives of the Air Force for a survivable, reliable and retrofit compatible non-inertial void detector for deeply buried hardened target penetrators. The sensor will draw low power, is compact and has the potential for precise distance ranging and void counting, even in narrow voids and clutter filled situations. To achieve this objective, Aerius Photonics has partnered with the Army Research Labs (ARL) as a no-cost Phase I partner to build upon a general optical fuze approach that has been developed for precision standoff fuzing. This approach is called optical frequency modulated-continuous wave (FM-CW) and offers a robust, fast sensor capable of excellent clutter rejection and accurate void detection. Aerius will adapt our advanced laser diode and optically preamplified detector concepts to enable a higher performance FM-CW sensor for photonic void sensing in hardened target penetrators with both look-ahead and side-looking capability for maximum capability. The proposed solution will offer a retrofit option for existing penetrators and path forward for more advanced capabilities in the next generation of penetrating munitions.