Automatic Laser Field Test Instrument

PSR proposes to design an automatic laser field test instrument for flight line testing of aircraft-based laser systems. The proposed man portable instrument concept, called the Laser Instrument for Field Testing (LIFT), will automatically characterize pulsed or continuous wave (CW) lasers of all wavelengths, pulse widths, polarizations, and nearly all power/energy levels, including Q-switched and mode-locked lasers. The unique beam director allows the high-resolution angular beam dissector to be automatically aligned to the laser system under test without any complex or tedious alignment procedure. The full measurement procedure takes only a few minutes and can be performed by non-expert personnel. The LIFT system will also measure the output laser beam spatial distribution at a user set range, varying from 0 (at entrance pupil) to infinity. Laser power/energy and pulse width are automatically measured by separate detectors. LIFT will be battery powered, use no consumables, and will not require field site support. An imbedded computer or separate lap top computer will collect, analyze, and display the data, as well as provide a go/no-go recommendation. The nominal hazard zone will also be displayed. Proven proprietary concepts, techniques, and experience are described, which show that the proposed instrument is practical. In addition, the LIFT shares common parts to the proven PSR man-portable. Compact Optical Measurement System (COMS) field test instruments, which will reduce the development cost and risk.