Low Cost Electro-Optic Sensors for Mini/Micro UAV’s

Imaging laser radar is evolving into an important tactical sensor, which may be fielded on UAVs. However, UAV systems range in size from micro systems, which have payload requirements of a few ounces to the mini UAVs with payload requirements of tens of pounds. This provides the designer of UAV based laser radars with considerable problems in selecting laser sources to fit in these vehicles. The Multiple Fiber Phased Array (MuFPAS) System is an eye-safe short pulse laser device, which is based on a common laser substructure consisting of distributed components, which can be scaled to meet laser power and weight requirements for various UAV platforms. MuFPAS utilizes compact optical and electronic component technologies to minimize volume requirements and by using fiber technologies can design the laser to utilize volumes in the vehicle currently being utilize d. By selecting the appropriate modules the laser system can operate at powers up to 50 watts with kilohertz up-rates and a 3 nsec pulselength. By providing a modular laser approach with a user toolbox, eye-safe laser radars can be incorporated into various UAVs and missions faster with less development cost.