Fast Synthetic Scene Generation for Directed Energy Applications

We will prototype a fast-running, accurate pristine scene generation capability that combines the accuracy of modern infra-red (IR) signature generation with advanced bidirectional reflectivity distribution function (BRDF) models. The generated scenes will consist of wide-band passive, laser-band (active) and range maps, to support a full suite of electro-optical sensors including coherent imaging laser radar. This will be coupled with a fast-running, accurate propagation methods to predict the beam irradiance at the target, the active return image and the passive return image, all consistent with modern turbulence and atmospheric propagation theory. These methods must preserve the artifacts that degrade both the beam at the target and the returned imagery. To test the developed methods, we will demonstrate atmospherically degraded synthetic scenes using a relevant example such as an Airborne Tactical Laser (ATL) test at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). These scenes will be directly applicable to the development and testing of active tracking and aimpoint maintenance algorithms.