Beam Control for Extended Range

A study is proposed to compare conventional beam control approaches utilized in baseline ABL engagements with advanced concepts which utilize laser guide star technology, relay mirror technology and optimal esimator technology. The concepts developedduring the proposed activity will be assessed for their feasibility in resolving the issues associated with extending the range and the class of targets addressable with an ABL weapon system. Key to the success of this effort is the wealth of experienceand capabilities that have been developed by the Optical Sciences Company in precisely the areas indicated above that are required to advance the state of the art. As an example of our expertise in this area, optimal estimator technology is put intoproper perspective to give insight. An analytic two DM system control algorithm is developed which illustrates that two angularly separated paths, one to a finite conjugate laser guide star and one to a distant object, can be compensated simultaneously.This approach may be critical in the utilization of TILL data and laser guide stars with ABL. The extensive experience and capability developed over the past twenty-five years at the Optical Sciences Company in the areas of beam control, adaptive opticstechnology, laser guide star technology, relay mirror technology and optimal estimator technology will be applied to develop a concept that can be used to extend the range and target set of a conventional ABL system.