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Extended-Range Atmospheric Sensing Suite (ERASS) for Deep Turbulence Characterization

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9451-12-M-0078
Agency Tracking Number: F11B-T41-0149
Amount: $99,995.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF11-BT41
Solicitation Number: 2011.B
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-06-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
711 E Monument Ave Ste 101
Dayton, OH -
United States
DUNS: 962006594
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Svetlana Lachinova
 Senior Researcher
 (301) 509-1992
 svetlana@optonicus.com
Business Contact
 Rob Markovich
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (415) 341-5940
Email: rmarkovich@optonicus.com
Research Institution
 University of Dayton
 Claudette Groeber
 
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-5469
United States

 (937) 229-2919
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

ABSTRACT: This proposal is focused on concept formulation, design, and development of an innovative end-to-end atmospheric sensing system specifically addressing the deep turbulence challenges that encompass multi-mission and multi-platform utilization of Air Force sensing, surveillance, and weapon systems. This Extended-Range Atmospheric Sensing Suite (ERASS) will include a set of sensors at three different wavelengths (0.53, 1.06, and 1.55 micron), will be capable of operating in strong-scintillation conditions over long (>100 km) propagation paths, and will provide both near and far-field measurements of major atmospheric turbulence, laser beam and image characteristics simultaneously at several spatially separated sub-apertures. The ERASS system will include laser illuminator capability for atmospheric diagnostics in target-in-the-loop scenarios with and without beacon, including analysis and characterization of target-return speckle fields and anisoplanatic effects. The ERASS system will also provide measurements of correlation between various wavefront phase components for both bi-static and mono-static optical system configurations. The ERASS system components will be tested in the laboratory and under the 7 km long atmospheric propagation path at UD facilities in Phase I, and the fully integrated system over long-range propagation path (150 km) during the Phase II. ERASS system will also include advanced tools for data processing and predictive modeling. BENEFIT: The proposed development will partially fill the existing gap in the understanding and assessment of deep turbulence effects on laser beam and image propagation in strong scintillation and anisoplanatic conditions by providing the DOD with a common atmospheric diagnostic suite that currently does not exist. The ERASS system will also provide data urgently needed for the development of long-range imaging, tracking, and directed energy systems as well as for verification of beam and image propagation models.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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