Next Generation Laser Designator

We propose a novel, compact, high energy, hybrid solid-state laser designator. Due to the unique approach employed, the proposed technology allows user control over waveform parameters including pulse width, pulse energy, inter-pulse spacing, PRF, and generation of coded pulse waveforms, while maintaining full backward compatibility. With the ability to generate any pulse sequence ‘on-the-fly’ entirely through software, the technology opens up the possibility of transmission of metadata from designator to seeker. Due to high energy and flexible pulse modulation output, the laser meets requirements for next generation laser designators as well as provides the Air Force critical benefits in several application areas such as laser ranging, sensor defeat, and infrared countermeasures. Further, the technology will serve as a novel research and development tool for Air Force for exploring metadata transmission and exploring novel pulse coding techniques for development of advanced seekers.