High Temporal and Spatial Resolution Laser Beam Diagnostic Sensor

"Kestrel Corporation, with our collaborator Boeing SVS, proposes an infraredhyperspectral imaging technology to remotely sense the spatially distributedspectral signature fingerprints of a high energy laser against a distant target.This technology offers high temporal and spatial resolution for the purpose ofmeasuring laser beam characteristics during airborne HEL engagements, whilesimultaneously collecting target response data. In this Phase I SBIR, we willdefine the requirements for a hyperspectral sensor and use of an existing MWIRhyperspectral imager to demonstrate the key technical issues. We will show thatthe sensor can be used to observe the HEL beam size, energy distribution, locationon the target, and target spectral response, with centimeter spatial distributionat rates in excess of 30 full samples per second.The proposed technique takes advantage of the existence of Kestrel developed IRhyperspectral imaging to simultaneous observe reflected HEL energy with the IRradiation and absorption associated with the interaction of the beam on the target. Coupled with existing sensor pointing and tracking from SVS, the sensor offers a spectral, spatial, signature map created at milli-second rates with immediatepresentation of the engagement results Uses within the commercial jet engine industry to measure engine performanceacross a broad band of applications including allow potentially debilitating flaws in the jet engine to be d