Advanced Intelligent Beam Control System

The Navy needs an advanced beam control system for free-space optical (FSO) communication, light (laser) detection and ranging (LIDAR), laser systems, and imaging, that maintains a stable line of sight with passive and active compensation of optical beam and imaging jitters. To address this need, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Advanced Intelligent Beam Control (AIBC) system that enables predictive wave slap mitigation based on a new design that utilizes previously developed mature adaptive optics components and an improved Risley prism beam steering design, LIDARs, imaging systems, and predictive artificial intelligence (AI)-based control algorithms. Specifically, the innovation in an optimized system architecture, compact optomechanical design and packaging, and predictive AI-based control algorithms will enable AIBC to suppress laser beam jitter, correct for laser wavefront aberrations and distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence, mitigate wave slap, and efficiently control laser emissions by accurately detecting, pointing to, and tracking multiple targets. As a result, this system will meet such specifications as an innovative high-speed and high-precision beam steering technology to compensate for any disturbances from mechanical jitter, atmospheric turbulence, and phase correction errors, directly addressing the Navy Directed Energy acquisition program requirements. In Phase I, Intellisense will develop a concept, demonstrate the feasibility of the AIBC system, and identify risks associated with a mast-mounted configuration to include integration of both the beacon/target illumination laser and high-energy laser (HEL) beams. Modeling and simulation will assist with providing an initial assessment of performance in marine environments, reaching the required system performance parameters. In the Phase I Option, if exercised, Intellisense will develop an initial layout and design to build the prototype in Phase II. In Phase II, Intellisense plans to develop and deliver a full-scale prototype AIBC system with wave slap detection, closed-loop with beam fire control, target acquisition, target detection, stable optical communication, and HEL power delivery on target with high precision based on the requirements outlined in the Navy solicitation.