Slant Path Optical Turbulence and Atmospheric Characterization

Optical Path Characterization Suite (OPCS) With advanced optical imaging systems aimed at operations in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE) and High Energy Laser (HEL) weapons systems reaching the prototype and test phase of programs there is a gap in the technology available to provide truth data during test. The ability to characterize the atmospheric turbulence and transmission environment during test is critical to understanding the performance of optical sensors in a DVE and HEL systems during field testing. Characterization of atmospheric turbulence and transmission environments have been performed along ground horizontal paths through the use of a variety of technology, both path averaged and nodal, but there are currently no systems available that can provide a vertical or slant path optical turbulence or transmission profile of relatively low cost. IERUS Technologies proposes to provide an Optical Path Characterization Suite (OPCS) suitable for horizontal, vertical, slant path, and nodal measurements of atmospheric turbulence and optical transmission that is both accurate and cost effective by leveraging existing differential temperature nodal atmospheric characterization techniques and developing optimized optical designs for integrated path atmospheric characterization experiments.