Over the past decade, the military has invested significantly in the development of laser radar (ladar) technology for application in remote reconnaissance and autonomous seekers. The majority of contemporary ladar systems utilize high pulse repetition frequency (PRF), compact, diode end-pumped, solid-state lasers as transmitter sources. Examples of systems currently under development that use this type of laser are LOCASS, DAZZLE, and CMRTR, among others. In order for these systems to reach their full military utility, they must be very compact, lightweight, rugged, efficient, low cost, and easily mass-produced. One key factor in achieving this level of maturity is the integration of advanced conduction-cooling subsystems to the laser. The work performed under this program addresses the shortcomings of current laser and laser cooling technology, and provides an innovative approach to meeting the goals of contemporary advanced ladar seeker programs. The product of our Phase-II development will be a fully qualified and packaged ladar transmitter that utilizes advanced active and passive cooling to fulfill the mission requirements of both continuous and intermittent operation, respectively. The laser system under this program will be tested against the shock, vibration, and temperature environment of a contemporary missile platform. The laser system technology and demonstration will have direct application in present and planned ladar seeker programs. The laser performance and reliability against harsh environmental conditions is considered to be among the highest risk items of the ladar seeker system. Therefore, successful environmental testing of the laser transmitter will help reduce the risk for on-going and future advanced ladar seeker programs. Three-dimensional laser radar is widely accepted as a preferred alternative to stereography as a means of producing digital elevation maps of the Earth's surface. Imaging laser altimeter (ILA) systems utilize the same technology as is employed in contemporary ladar seekers. Lite Cycles, Inc. is currently pursuing ILA as a commercial application of the technology developed under this SBIR program. Lite Cycles, Inc. has identified and targeted two significant markets applicable for relatively high volume production: (1) "Seeker" type missile systems and (2) 3-D imaging laser altimetry (ILA) for military and commercial markets. In addition, the cooling technology also lends itself to compact laser designators required for tomorrow's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Seeker applications include (1) loiter attack missile (LAM) ladar seekers and (2) cruise missile real time re-targeting (CMRTR) ladar seekers. The compact/advanced cooling laser transmitter developed in this program can be integrated into both ladar systems. ILA applications include topographic mapping, disaster prevention, urban planning and development, infrastructure construction, maintenance and management, agriculture and forestry, overhead transmission line survey, etc. Additionally, there are military applications for early battlefield assessment and continuous terrain update. The technology advancements developed in Phases I and II can be applied directly to offer a cost-effective, reliable and user friendly, compact ILA system.
Keywords: LADAR IMAGING LASER ALTIMETRY SOLID-STATE LASERS COOLING TECHNIQUES
