Lightweight Optics for High Energy Applications

The Air Force is interested in high stiffness, lightweight technologies for beam control of tactical airborne and relay mirror high-energy laser systems. The corrected system wavefront error can be minimized using low figure error/surface finish, low print-through, high-stiffness, Silicon Lightweight Mirror Systems (SLMS™) technology with high-reflectivity, very low absorption (VLA) coatings. Some specific organizations and missions within the Department of Defense requiring high-performance lightweight mirror technology include MDA/AL/MP/AS and ABL, ARMS, ATL, EKV, and STSS. In Phase II we will demonstrate the scalability of SLMS™ technology by producing a bonded, high-stiffness, 50 cm aperture F/1.25 on-axis parabolic SLMS™ with dual-band coatings (1.06 micron and 1.315 micron) and a targeted areal density of <15 kg/m2, a Beam Director Prototype (BDP) mirror. We will also demonstrate high-quality, high-stiffness, extremely lightweight beamwalk mirrors with dual band coatings. Our final demonstration will be for lightweight, high-stiffness, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched mirror mounts with tip, tilt, and piston adjustment capability. Lightweight reaction structures for HEL mirrors have been an area of SBIR research that has been under-emphasized. Each Phase II product represents significant innovation and progress towards maturing key technologies for tactical airborne and relay mirrors systems requiring high-quality beam control.