Scalable Adaptive Fiber-Array Elements (SAFARE) for Directed Energy Phased Arrays

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for an adaptive optics system using a fiber laser array as the spatial phase correction system within the subaperature of an array of discrete telescopes, Optonicus and The University of Dayton propose the development of a new Scalable Adaptive Fiber-Array Elements (SAFARE) system. The integration of new fiber-array architectures with novel imaging and adaptive optics sensing abilities will allow power scaling and spatial phase control to come together in a new system overcoming obstacles currently preventing the fielding high-energy laser weapon systems in airborne platforms. In Phase I, Optonicus/UD will demonstrate the feasibility of the SAFARE system by developing an architecture that allows subaperature wavefront sensing and fiber-laser based phased conjugation in a new laser array weapons system. In Phase II, Optonicus/UD plan to conduct tests in a laboratory environment to validate the fundamental measurement/correction limits in stressing environments. In Phase III Optonicus will commercialize the technology for dual DoD laser weapons applications and civilian commercial uses. BENEFIT: The Optonicus/UD SAFARE system will enable fielding of a compact high energy laser weapon system in DoD air and ground battle applications. The technology has commercial applications in high energy lasers for industrial cutting and welding, as well as low power applications in free space optical communications.