Fiber Optic System for Delivery of High Power Laser Radiation

The Air Force is developing an ROD system utilizing a high power laser to neutralize unexploded ordnance. The system is called the Mobile Ordnance Disrupter System (MODS). The current design requires a clear line-of-sight from the vehicle to the ordnance, and thus is ineffective against munitions in depressions, behind obscurations or in buildings. A fiber optic beam delivery system (FOBD) offers an alternative approach in these cases. However, in its present state of development, FOBD is not suitable for MODS, due principally to problems with fiber damage, power loss, and output beam formation. This study will focus on assessing currently available technologies, and identifying additional requirements to overcome these deficiencies, so that a FOBD system for MODS becomes technically and economically feasible. Propagation of high power laser radiation through optical fibers of various types and sizes will be evaluated through mathematical modelling and laboratory experiments. The current state-of-the-art on other components of FOBD will be assessed. Low loss transmission of energy from a 1000 CW Nd:YAG laser through a FOBD system will be demonstrated. Other potential applications of FOBD in the MODS vehicle will be evaluated.