Energy Web Employing Planar Optics

The ultimate objective of the proposed SBIR Phase II study is to advance the technology of controlling light beams with ultralight planar optics - steering, focusing, shaping, splitting for characterization – for very large aperture high energy lasers beams required for the development of distributed, resilient multi-input/multi-output power multipath energy beaming adaptive networks. Low-SWaP technology would allow small low-cost attritable platforms to conduct missions enabled by off boarding power generation and storage. The technology would further allow new capabilities such as communications and data links for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). More specifically, the objectives of Phase II SBIR work are: utilizing ultrafast modelling tools for taking the optical system optimization into a level of compliance with DARPA POWER program requirements; increasing steering angles of the beam to hemispherical field of regard; utilizing multispectral diffractive waveplates for higher precision beam pointing employing a separate beacon wavelength; exploring novel opportunities for pointing, acquisition, and tracking; further reducing system size and weight by combining multiple functions into single optical components; developing non-mechanical high-contrast throttleable beam splitter for energy harvesting; setting up fabrication systems for very large area high-quality and high-performance diffractive waveplates; developing more efficient synthesis and material development protocols; fabricating and delivering to DARPA POWER program very large area optical components and systems required in relay optical benches optimized for diffractive waveplates optics; prototyping and demonstrating functionality of key components of the relay optical system.