Low Mirror Count Tactical HEL Beam Control Architecture

This SBIR Phase I project will investigate a novel optical control high energy laser (HEL) beam control architecture that has only six high power components between the HEL module and the target. The beamline is considerably simpler, smaller and lighter than what is possible with current architectures. Furthermore, almost every component performs multiple functions, dramatically reducing the part count. There is only one Deformable Mirror (DM), one Coarse Steering Mirror (CSM), and one Fast Steering Mirror (FSM), which all can be integrated into the beam director. Phase I work involves a thorough trade study of candidate HEL architectures, followed by identification of key component technologies required for the selected architecture. Then, the analyses and simulations as well as risk reduction efforts necessary to demonstrate functionality and validate performance will be defined. These procedures will lead to a Phase II prototype design that addresses the broad spectrum of issues that are pertinent in HEL architecture development. Northrop Grumman Space Technology (NGST) of El Segundo, California has provided a support letter. Provided that the Phase I effort demonstrates success, intends to be our subcontractor during the Phase II effort.