Thermal Bloom Predicting Atmospheric Absorption Spectroscopy System

To address the Army’s need for an atmospheric absorption spectroscopy measurement system, Intellisense Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a new Thermal Bloom Predicting Atmospheric Absorption Spectroscopy (TOPAAS) system, based on high-speed, line-by-line, differential absorption spectroscopic measurements using frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar. Specifically, the innovative use of a novel measurement scheme with mostly mature commercial components will enable this measurement system to be used to measure turbulence effect-free, range-resolved, total atmospheric absorption spectral data. As a result, this new device will offer real-time thermal blooming prediction capabilities in a field-portable device for use with high energy laser weapon systems. In Phase I, Intellisense will conduct a full system architecture development focusing on the design of a lidar-based absorption measurement system and will analyze the analytical model of thermal blooming prediction. Based on this design and simulation analysis, Intellisense will develop a preliminary design that will establish high confidence in the TOPAAS system’s ability to meet the Army requirements in the field test environment, and the theoretical process for determining thermal blooming based on measurements from the system. In Phase II, Intellisense will fabricate, test, and evaluate a breadboard TOPAAS system using the Phase I design. After conducting initial testing and system performance evaluation, the system design will be modified as necessary to produce a final full-scale prototype. The final TOPAAS system prototype will be demonstrated in a field test or controlled environmental chamber to validate its thermal blooming prediction accuracy.