Laser Initiated Ordnance System Development

Both solid state and semiconductor lasers have been used to initiate ordnance devices. Current diode laser technology can bring these systems from the laboratory into practical use. The results would be safer, more reliable and lower cost space launch operations and strategic and tactical missile ordnance systems. The major task in reducing the technology to practice is to design a fail safe system that cannot unintentionally function an ordnance event. The resulting design(s) must be proven safe from analysis and test. This effort proposes to evaluate alternative designs for safety and margin analysis on the design, breadboard critical circuit elements, and prepare a technical data package for Phase II fabrication and test.