High Energy Laser Diagnostics for Space Based Applications

"Kestrel Corporation proposes an adaptation of a new technology that providescompact set of laser wavefront diagnosticsthat have the ruggedness needed for a space based applications. An applicationof a unique grating based phase diversity sensor offers a sensitive wavefrontmeasurement that includes tip and tilt information. The proposed Phase I SBIRwill update theoretical models of the sensors and conduct laboratory experimentswith existing equipment to demonstrate the diagnostic concepts. The application of the distorted grating wavefront sensing to corneacharacterization represents a significant commercial technology transfer opportunity. Exploration of the advanced opticalimaging technology can lead to applications in other existing biophysicaltechniques, e.g., cell level spectroscopy, to assist in understanding thedevelopment of a number of eye diseases. Uses in battlefield IR imaging through thehighly disturbed atmosphere near the Earth's surface are reasonable extrapolationsof the technology. Because the concept does not require an artificial beacon,the technology offers a heretofore unavailable covert compensation capability."