Description:
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace
OBJECTIVE: Design, develop and test a 5-kHz bandwidth fast steering mirror to be used in the next generation beam control systems on airborne platforms for high power laser weapon systems.
DESCRIPTION: Future high energy laser (HEL) missions will require components that are smaller size and higher performance than currently available. One of the layers of beam control is a small volume, weight and power (SWaP), high bandwidth fast steering mirror (FSM). The FSM will be needed to correct for atmospheric and aero-optic effects, as well as support the internal weapon optical train alignment maintenance. Current voice coil actuated FSM technology has demonstrated between 1 and 1.5 kHz bandwidth control, however, it is envisioned that a compact 3.5 “ 5.0 kHz bandwidth FSM will be required for future fast-mover airborne missions. Additionally, current FSM technology support up to 12 inches in diameter apertures with small strokes of several millimeters. The focus of this topic is to address the higher bandwidth on an aperture size up to 40 cm (goal). Specifically, this topic aims to significantly extend the bandwidth to 5kHz over the 40 cm FSM using either conventional voice coil technology or other means of actuating the mirror. The mirror should also be capable of very high acceleration of 10,000 (minimum) to 20,000 rad/s2 (goal). For the basic FSM specifications, the following can be assumed: 30 to 50 cm beam director aperture 10 (minimum) to 50 cm (goal) input aperture -40 to +70C operating temperature Typical aircraft (rotary and fixed-winged) operating environment (high linear vibration) 150kW laser power FSM angular range ±3 mrad FSM Bandwidth 5.0 kHz minimum FSM angular acceleration >10,000 rad/s2. Offerors are strongly encouraged to interact with beam control systems providers to help ensure applicability of their efforts and begin work towards technology transition.
PHASE I: Develop a preliminary design for the proposed FSM. Proof of concept hardware development (including any subscale or specific risk reduction activities) is highly desirable. Phase I should include the development of plans to further develop/exploit this technology in Phase II.
PHASE II: Complete critical design of prototype FSM including all supporting Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A). Fabricate a prototype or engineering demonstration unit (EDU) and perform characterization testing within the financial and schedule constraints of the program to show level of performance achieved compared to existing technology. The prototype or EDU will be provided to the government for evaluation and test. Provide comparisons between MS&A and their test results, including identification of performance differences or anomalies and reasons for the deviation from MS&A predictions. Prepare a plan for commercialization of developed technology. It is highly recommended to maintain working relationships with beam control systems providers.
PHASE III: Perform final testing and assist with the transition of the developed technology into the next generation high energy laser weapon (HELWS) under development by the DoD Services. Transition and integrate developed technology to all relevant DoD platforms. Successful technology development would find application in astronomy and high performance camera systems used in private sector applications.
REFERENCES:
1. J. Mansell et al., (2007). High Power Deformable Mirrors. SPIE Conference Mirror Technology Days 2007. http://www.activeopticalsystems.com/docs/Mirror%20Tech%20Days%20070801_asGiven_Compressed.pdf
2. Kenji Uchino, Yuzuru Tsuchiya, Shoichiro Nomura, Takuso Sato, Hiromi Ishikawa, & Osamu Ikeda, (1981). Deformable mirror using the PMN electrostrictor, Appl. Opt. 20, 3077-3080. https://www.osapublishing.org/ao/abstract.cfm?URI=ao-20-17-3077
3. Supriyo Sinha, Justin D. Mansell & Robert L. Byer, (2002). Deformable mirrors for high-power lasers. Proc. SPIE 4493, High-Resolution Wavefront Control: Methods, Devices, and Applications III, 55 (February 5, 2002); doi:10.1117/12.454728
4. R. H. Freeman &J. E. Pearson, (1982). Deformable mirrors for all seasons and reasons. Appl. Opt. 21, 580-588 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.21.000580
KEYWORDS: Fast Steering Mirror; Adaptive Optics Systems; High Energy Laser Weapons; Rotary Wing; Fixed Wing; Beam Control Systems
