Award Data

We propose the development of a high-peak-power pulse fiber laser operating at eye-safe wavelength to be used as transmitter in laser radar (LIDAR) applications. The laser will support long range and high range resolution and will be designed for fast transition to actual field deployment.

Aculight, teamed with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC), will deliver a system for remote capture of biometrics for screening processes in the Phase II of this proposed work. This system will have a range in excess of 100 meters, if needed, and supply facial depth resolution of < 2 mm. This aggressive goal is enabled by the DOD investment in 3D LIDAR at LMMFC and in eye-safe fiber ...

Advanced technology and circuit architecture is under investigation for high performance, infra-red, and low power electronics. GaSb substrates have advantages that are attractive for implementation of very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR) detectors with higher operating temperatures for spaced based and stealth applications. A significant aspect inhibiting widespread commercial application of GaS ...

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is currently developing a comprehensive testing environment to test and evaluate the operation of multiple elements operating concurrently within the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). High-fidelity synthetic scene generators are required to be developed to stimulate, in real-time, both radar and optical sensors within the BMDS. These scene generators must ...

We propose to perform analytical and empirical studies of laser diode packages in regards to long-term reliability for use in the space environment. Our approach will be to develop a physics based understanding of the failure mechanisms observed due to operation in vacuum and radiation environments. We expect to be able to mitigate these failure mechanisms through nLight’s laser diode design a ...

We have designed a state-of-the-art optical turbulence forecasting system for free-space optical (FSO) laser communication and directed energy laser weapons systems applications. Our initial emphasis has been on an improved atmospheric decision aid (ADA) for the Airborne Laser (ABL), but the methods can be equally applied to other laser-weapon systems, high-bandwidth laser-communication appli ...

A critical aspect of the MKV system concept is the restraint and dispense of the individual KVs from the carrier/launch vehicle. The individual KVs need to survive launch and fly out towards incoming targets while the KVs are attached to the Carrier Vehicle (CV). As the CV approaches an incoming group of targets (re-entry vehicles and countermeasures), the KVs must be dispensed on controlled vel ...

The Kinetic Energy Interceptor is under severe aerodynamic, thermal, and self induced loading during rocket motor staging events. Aerodynamic forces, propulsion spikes, and explosive separation events can induce unrecoverable pitching moments or damaging shock levels on sensitive payload components. Systima has designed a low-shock, missile stage release system combined with an active (pyrotechni ...

Recent and emerging technologies, such as a 3-D LADAR tracker with precise target detection, tracking, and aimpoint imaging could make significant gains for ABL’s capabilities. Solid state avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are a rugged, fully-monolithic detector technology well suited for LADAR focal plane arrays (FPAs). In the past, Geiger mode APD operation has been preferred for tasks requiring se ...

In this Phase II program, a high-performance, rad-hard, high-functionality, back-illuminated, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) CMOS, Agile, Multi-functional-Pixel, Imager optimized sensor chip assembly (SCAMP SCA) will be developed and characterized for demanding spaceborne imaging applications, including high-functionality, environmentally robust star-tracking. The SCAMP SCA will include high performa ...