CW Laser Detection Techniques

Spectra Research, Inc. (S*R) proposes to develop and demonstrate a technique for detecting low power CW laser sources operating in the visible (0.4-1.1 m), near infrared (1.0-3.0 m), and far infrared (9.0-11.0 m) spectral bands and to formulate a design for a visible spectral band system for fabrication in a Phase II effort. The technique, depicted in employs a novel etalon based detection approach to provide strong discrimination against non-laser background sources and provides wide spectral and angular coverage needed to protect valuable assets. This approach will achieve high resolution in direction of arrival (DOA) by using an auxiliary shadow channel and will provide high resolution in threat wavelength determination. It will achieve reliable detection at ranges in excess of several kilometers.