Sensor System for Real Time Observation of High Energy Laser Effects

The Air Force has a requirement for a real-time system to monitor High Energy Laser (HEL) damage effectiveness and provide laser hazard assessment. Due to target reflective properties and environmental conditions, HEL effectiveness may be compromised, so operators require real-time assessment to determine if lasing should continue or if other methods should be employed. To keep operators safe, laser hazard assessment prior to engagement is always necessary. Technology Service Corporation (TSC) will leverage its twenty-plus years of experience with EO/IR sensors and laser hazard analysis studies to develop a High Energy Laser Monitoring Sensor (HELMS) system that will meet the Air Force’s goals. In the Phase I program, TSC will first define the HELMS system requirements, then generate design options and evaluate them through various trade studies on sensor wavelength band, sensor performance, and cost. A top-level HELMS system design will be created, and a plan to implement and demonstrate a pre-production prototype under a Phase II program will be developed. Finally, TSC will document all results from the Phase I study in a Final Report.