Laser System for Active Tracking of a Launch Vehicle and Satellite

In this Phase I proposal, we outline a plan to develop a novel phase-conjugate laser system capable of locking and tracking remote objects. The proposed system uses a pulsed laser with an intra-cavity four-wave mixing configuration. In this proposal, weoutline the operational principles of the system, showing how velocity and position of the target can be accurately measured. During Phase I, we will perform additional theoretical analysis, design a laboratory system, and demonstrate the key aspects ofthe tracking system. During Phase II we will scale the technology up for field demonstration.Optical systems can provide precise information on an object's location and velocity. The proposed system can significantly enhance the accuracy of existingradar-based tracking stations. Because of the increased measurement accuracy, measurements of satellites can be performed less frequently and with fewer tracking stations, thus saving on operational costs. In addition, the system could find applicationsin aircraft and missile tracking.