Adaptive Optics System for a High Energy Laser Weapon System

As adversarial threats are developing longer range capability, HEL systems must counter these developments by achieving lethal effects at longer ranges. Adaptive Optics (AO) is a key technology that enables longer range engagements by compensating the effects of atmospheric turbulence. Guidestar Optical Systems, Inc. (Guidestar) has developed two innovative concepts for AO system architectures that are capable of operating in deep turbulence and show great promise for reducing the SWaP requirements of the beacon illuminator (and thus the entire AO system) by a significant margin compared to traditional AO approaches. Guidestar proposes to develop concept designs for the two AO system architectures based on HEL weapon system integration constraints, including SWaP limitations, and conduct trade studies to evaluate and compare the technical performance and merits of the two architectures.