We propose to develop a novel and ambitious tool for large-scale development: a fourth-generation computer language (4GL) based upon an object-oriented generalization of the hierarchical block diagram paradigm, with powerful integrated simulation capabilities. Developers would assemble a prototype… More

For a number of years the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has investigated the fabrication of large optics to support space based sensing and weapons applications. One promising technology is the construction of large membrane mirrors. This class of mirror has significant advantages including… More

Conventional aperture plane phase-only adaptive optics (AO) is becoming amature technology. We have had decades of experience with up-lookingapplications, where most of the turbulence is close to the aperture, and inrecent years there has been substantial progress in AO for near-horizontalpaths,… More

"We propose to develop a component-based software framework for developing large-scale software and hardware/software systems based upon an innovative software architecture we originally developed for use in the modeling and simulation of complex systems.This architecture make use of the familiar… More

We propose to continue the development of an innovative component-basedsoftware framework we have designed for the development and support oflarge-scale software and hardware/software systems. In Phase I, now nearing completion, we have demonstrated that the proposed framework is feasible and that… More

Building upon a well established wave-optics propagation code, we propose to develop a generalized and sophisticated beam-control simulation tool that will predict the performance of a High-Energy Laser (HEL) beam-control system for ship self-defense.During Phase I, we propose to add to the existing… More

This effort will provide a flexible simulation tool that will predict the performance of HEL weapons systems in realistic engagement scenarios in a marine environment. MZA's existing wave-optics simulation tool, called "WaveTrain", provides a crucial and extensive foundation for the proposed Phase… More

MZA has teamed with Prof. Steve Gibson of UCLA to propose the development of adaptive wavefront reconstruction and jitter control techniques for the robust, high-bandwidth compensation of aero-optical effects. Through his work with AFRL, HEL JTO, and AFOSR, Prof. Gibson is on the forefront of… More

MZA proposes to evaluate a recently published innovative concept that holds great promise for recovery of space object images from sparse telescope array pupil plane sensor data. The technique exploits both auto and cross correlations of data from two wave front sensors mounted on each telescope… More

We propose to develop a comprehensive model-based system engineering environment designed to support the design, development and optimization of directed energy systems, including both high powered microwave (HPM) and high energy laser (HEL) systems. We propose to demonstrate the feasibility and… More

MZA proposes development and evaluation of optimal estimation methods for beacon measurement supporting adaptive optics compensation of aero-optics and free-stream turbulence. The proposed method takes into account the modal covariance properties of near-field and far-field beacon sources and their… More

Some of the analysis and computer simulation tools used to evaluate directed energy target tracking systems must have the capability to generate realistic simulated target and background imagery. The images are often degraded by atmospheric turbulence or other phenomena. For many wave optics… More

We propose to demonstrate two different novel process techniques for creating custom micro-optics.

This SBIR will create a tactical beam control architecture that minimizes mirror count and complexity for a High Power Tactical Laser System with a 30 cm aperture. In particular we will: 1) generate and evaluate component concepts that form the building blocks for the architecture; 2) generate a… More

We propose to investigate a concept for remote passive optical measurement of acoustic target signatures. Potential goals of the measurement are detection, activity assessment, or identification. The measurement concept produces an area image of the vibrational content of the target scene. We will… More

MZA proposes to conduct laboratory testing of adaptive control for wavefront compensation of aerodynamic optical disturbances. The laboratory system will use a low-cost polymer deformable mirror with actuator patterns specialized for adaptive control. Aero-optical disturbances will be imparted in… More

Adaptive optics (AO) compensation of deep atmospheric turbulence remains a significant obstacle to the deployment of laser beam projection and imaging systems for a many applications. Tactical high-energy laser (HEL) weapon systems will be particularly limited by inadequate AO schemes as they will… More

We propose to develop a comprehensive model-based system engineering environment designed to support the design, development and optimization of directed energy systems, including both high powered microwave (HPM) and high energy laser (HEL) systems. We propose to demonstrate the feasibility and… More

Weight, footprint, complexity and jitter characteristics of current Beam Control Systems (BCS) preclude their becoming practical for many applications. BCS must be smaller, lighter and more stable to fully realize the potential of new laser device technologies. Phase I of this SBIR, entitled OTHELA… More

MZA partnered with the University of Notre Dame proposes a Phase II laboratory demonstration of a beacon formation, wavefront sensing, and HEL compensation for mitigation of aero-optical disturbances. We demonstrated the formation of an air-breakdown laser spark in close proximity to an aircraft… More

The goal of this effort is to develop high-fidelity wave-optics models of the DARPA HELLADS laser system designs. To do so, we will attempt to advance the state-of-the-art in accurately modeling laser component effects which are somewhat unique to high energy slab lasers by developing fundamental… More

MZA proposes refinement and optimization of a novel method of atmospheric phasing for a distributed array of sub-apertures enabling high-resolution imaging. The phasing method derives tilt correction through sub-aperture image shifts used to approximate sub-aperture piston correction with linear… More

We propose to further develop a concept for remote passive optical measurement of acoustic target signatures. Potential goals of the measurement are detection, activity assessment, or identification. The measurement concept produces an area image of the vibrational content of the target scene. We… More

The proposed effort builds upon the significant progress of on-going efforts which employ MZA''''s WaveTrain wave-optics modeling tool to develop high-fidelity models of laser devices. MZA has developed considerable expertise in applying WaveTrain to laser device modeling under non-SBIR contracts to… More

This Phase I SBIR will design a 30 cm beam director for HEL airborne tactical applications for a variety of Navy Missions. The beam director is to exhibit minimal weight and footprint. The beam director itself will be composite structure with at least 2 radians per second angular velocity and 2… More

This SBIR will define test and analysis approaches to unambiguously identify cause/effect relationships for jitter in HEL beam control systems. In particular, from existing test data, we will seek to determine if jitter on target is due to sensor noise (If so, what sensor?), or acoustic inputs to… More

Covertness of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) could be enhanced by replacing the radio frequency communications link with a laser communication (lasercomm) link. But, in order to have a large enough field of regard, the lasercomm system requires a heavy mechanical gimbal mounted in a dome. This… More

Current software development and testing methodologies are inadequate for validating software in mission-critical applications. As Dijstra famously stated: "testing can be used to show the presence of bugs, but never to show their absence." When lives and national security is at stake, there is a… More

MZA proposes the development of linear-time-invariant predictive controllers for use in adaptive optics (AO) systems to reduce the degradation associated with finite wavefront sensor sample rate and latency. These predictive AO controllers will provide equivalent performance to fully-adaptive… More

The weight, cost and volume drivers for a solid state HEL system on an aircraft are the HEL devices and the HEL transmitting telescope gimbals. The HEL bulk devices now being developed employ complicated optical amplifiers and resonators.. The Gimbals are housed in a turret projecting from the… More

An electronic beam steering system (EBS) using a stack of liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) will be tested in the laboratory for use in a bi-directional, 1.55 micron, laser communication system. A disturbance will be generated based on the predictions for aero-optics distortion for an… More

This SBIR Phase II will provide risk reduction for the MH60S Helicopter Beam Director (HBD) as described in described in the Phase I Final Report,"Tactical Beam Director for Airborne High Energy Laser Application,"Contract N68936-09-C-0035. The primary emphases are to provide additional… More

MZA proposes design, integration, testing, and simulation of electro-optical (EO) imaging and computer processing hardware for operating a phased array consisting of 7-12 subapertures. Our implementation of image processing on a graphics processor units (GPUs) for subaperture piston control will be… More

ABSTRACT: MZA Associates Corporation, partnered with the University of Dayton (UD) propose to develop a dynamic scene generation capability within WaveTrain. We propose authoring a scene renderer using proven Computer Graphics Imagery (CGI) techniques to produce target maps that WaveTrain will use… More

Human Social Cultural Behavioral (HSCB) modeling has been described as"the most difficult task humans have yet undertaken"(Pew and Mavor, 1998). Central to this effort is a fundamental understanding of human behavior, but this understanding is currently based on observations that are not… More

MZA Associates Corporation, partnered with Kratos Digital Fusion, Inc. proposes the development of a comprehensive methodology for design, optimization, modeling, testing, and analysis of laser turrets integrated onto transonic and supersonic airframes. We will identify turret and flow control… More

ABSTRACT: This effort will implement fast, efficient, system-identification algorithms, based on subspace identification techniques. The algorithms will apply for both plant and disturbance identification on HEL jitter reduction and tracking systems. BENEFIT: This technology will find application… More

This Phase I SBIR will address design issues for High Energy Laser Beam Director which fits in the Navy's Universal Modular Mast residing on Virginia class submarines. Our approach will be to derive submarine-specific requirements, and to adapt beam director and beam control system technology… More

MZA proposes an active, closed loop, IRCM which will integrate the features of the threat detection, tracking, interrogation, jamming, and effectiveness verification. The Closed Loop Optically Adaptive Countermeasure (CLOAC) system includes all features of current active IRCM with the addition of a… More

ABSTRACT: MZA, teamed with UCLA and Notre Dame proposes the design, development, verification, and demonstration of a real-time adaptive optics (AO) wavefront control processor implementing the linear time-invariant (LTI) predictive control algorithm investigated in Phase I. We will also conduct… More

Accurate synthetic scene generation is a critical capability required to support sensor development, software and hardware in-the-loop testing and pre-flight test analysis. Current \acIR scene generation codes such as \acFLITES and its predecessor \acCHAMP are excellent tools for creating… More

ABSTRACT: MZA partnered with Kratos/DFI proposes development, optimization, subscale wind tunnel testing/validation, and target engagement simulations for an aircraft pod with forward and aft-looking laser beam directors employing integrated flow control. Using CFD simulations, we will consider… More