High-Fidelity Simulation of Missile Laser/Plume Radiation Transport

Lasers are being considered for several functions in boost-phase missile defense systems, including interceptor to ground communication, and detection of missile hardbodies. Exhaust plumes can attenuate and scatter laser light, interfering with the function of the laser systems. Spectral Sciences, Inc. proposes to develop MCScene-PluS, a new laser/plume interaction radiation transport simulation code with the ability to `dial-in' the fidelity of the simulation to the requirements of the application and scene conditions, from the highest accuracy to a fast but approximate, `engineering level' result. Key components of MCScene-Plus were successfully demonstrated in Phase I including: upgrade of the core calculation engine in MCScene to a fully three-dimensional geometry, addition of a plume definition module, full treatment of multiple scattering, refraction, and Doppler effects. In Phase II, a new object oriented version of MCScene-PluS will be developed that incorporates the flexibility and phenomenology introduced in Phase I and additional phenomenology needed to satisfy the requirements defined by DoD's Plume Lidar Working Group, for ongoing, fielded, DoD laser/missile/plume programs, such as extension to a variety of laser system types, calculation of polarization effects and a generalized plume.