Directed Energy Concepts and Components

This proposal addresses the problem of utilizing spatial -hyperspectral imaging capabilities of space-borne sensors to detect and characterize regions of atmospheric turbulence and cirrus cloud clutter which may impact employment and/or performance of space based laser and airborne high energy laser weapons systems. Our concept for worldwide detection, characterization and mapping of atmospheric turbulence and cirrus clouds includes spectral and hyperspectral imagers operated in the W to MWIR spectral range in a virtual triangulation geometry. Spectral and hyperspectral imagery allows altitude sounding of atmospheric clutter from turbulence and cirrus clouds. Triangulation geometry allows precise altitude selection by cross correlation of the backscatter signals. The combination of altitude and Fourier-space background spectral discrimination will provide an altitude resolved measurement of atmospheric clutter from clear air turbulence and from cirrus clouds, both of which may affect performance of the SBL (Space Based Laser) and the Airborne Laser (ABL) systems.