Forecasting, Measuring, and Compensating Optical Turbulence for Air Force Applications

Guidestar Optical Systems develops optical turbulence forecasting, measuring, and compensation technologies to support commercial laser communications systems. Numerous Air Force applications, including directed energy laser weapons, free space optical communication systems, and advanced encryption and data security, to name a few, are impacted by optical turbulence. In this program, Guidestar will conduct a feasibility study where we will identify Air Force programs that are impacted by optical turbulence and how our commercial solutions can be applied to these Air Force programs to improve performance. This feasibility study will include a cost/benefit analysis conducted with the Air Force program stakeholders to ensure that any follow-on efforts under the SBIR program (Phase II) have a high probability to transition to a Phase III production effort.