Jitter Reduction in Light Weight Beam Control Devices

MZA is proposing to use both system and component level finite element modeling along with rapid prototyping enabled by additive manufacturing (AM) to iteratively design and test low SWaP optical mounts that passively isolate jitter. Each directed energy system has its own unique jitter challenges, and by developing a process to tune optical mount performance to its jitter environment, jitter can be reduced while minimizing overall system size, weight and power (SWaP). This approach is inspired by the extensive experience MZA has in jitter modeling, testing and beam control system design. Jitter models will be used to determine the expected input disturbance to the optic mount and also to identify key vibration modes of the mount itself. The design process will eliminate material in the mounts while retaining sufficient stiffness along the tilt axes of the mounted optic to not introduce additional jitter. We will utilize the ability of AM to introduce cavities and internal structure that cannot be made using traditional machining to accomplish this. These SWaP reductions will be combined with isolation approaches to further mitigate jitter. This process will be performed iteratively to arrive at optimized designs for both SWaP and jitter performance. Approved for Public Release | 20-MDA-10643 (3 Dec 20)