Comprehensive Simulation of Beam Control System for Ship Self-Defense

Building upon a well established wave-optics propagation code, we propose to develop a generalized and sophisticated beam-control simulation tool that will predict the performance of a High-Energy Laser (HEL) beam-control system for ship self-defense.During Phase I, we propose to add to the existing code a number of features specific to the ship self-defense problem. These features include:(1) Modeling of near-sea-level atmospheric turbulence.(2) Incorporation of certain optical attenuation and scattering information.(3) Tailoring and exploration of an existing thermal blooming capability.(4) Incorporation of simple target models for targets of interest to shipboard HELs.We propose the use of WaveTrain, a wave-optics simulation tool developed by MZA principally in support of the Air Force's Airborne Laser Program. The basic code is already well developed, but requires additional features specific to the marine environment.We also propose a Phase I Option. During the option period, the objective will be to begin the construction and initial exercise of a prototype system model for overall performance prediction for a shipboard HEL system. This would provide a transition toa Phase II effort, during which we envision a broad elaboration of the prototype system model, incorporation and/or improvements of individual component models, and the exercise of the enhanced system model over a significant range of ship self-defenseengagement scenarios. BENEFITS TO THE NAVY: When we complete our proposed work, the ship-board-HEL research community will have its disposal powerful simulation and analysis capabilities which will assist in the design, implementation, and diagnosis of candidate designs andfielded systems. Users will be able to initially evaluate beam control concepts using inexpensive simulations rather than field experiments. Naturally, final real-world confirmation will always be required, but our project will directly assist inreducing the cost, development time, and risk of fielding proposed HEL weapons systems. These reductions in required research and development resources will allow the war fighter to receive more effective weapons in a more timely manner.POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:Potential commercial applications of the adaptive-optics type of beam-control technology exist in at least three sectors. First, some wavefront-sensing and beam-control techniques are beginning to be used in ophthalmology, particularly in conjunction withlaser eye surgery. Second, propagation through atmospheric turbulence is involved in the design and construction of