Dynamic MEMS Based Photonic Bandgap Filter

"Advances in laser technology currently allow for the relative compact packaging of high power pulse lasers and moderate power continuous wave systems. These systems can be used as effective countermeasures against optical sensors. Military sensorssusceptible to this type of countermeasure are mounted on certain types of infrared guided missiles, aircraft systems for guidance and reconnaissance, and guided munitions. Such countermeasures can also be effective against personnel in the field. Amethod of fast filtering to provide a blocking of the in-band countermeasure signal is needed in these systems which will allow the quick return to operation and thus preventing damage to vital focal plane systems. Recent results in the development ofphotonic bandgap (PBG) technologies have shown that optical structures can be designed that provide variable broadband filtering of light. We propose to develop a fast filtering system for sensor protection based on PBG filters combined with MEMSactuators for sensor protection."