SBIR-STTR Award

High Energy Laser (HEL) systems provide many benefits on the battlefield, such as speed of light engagement, precision engagement with limited collateral damage, graduated response (lethal and non-lethal effects), and low cost per shot.Recent developments in phased array HEL technology is enabling the integration of HEL systems on small ground-based platforms.To support these HEL systems, a high-resolution, image-based tracking and aimpoint maintenance systems compatible with phased arrays are needed.In the proposed program, Guidestar Optical Systems (Guidestar) will develop a high resolution distributed aperture imaging system concept that is compatible with phased array HEL systems and provides the tracking and aimpoint maintenance accuracy needed for these precision engagement HEL systems.Guidestar will conduct wave optics simulations to demonstrate the performance of our image-based tracking system concepts. In the Phase I option program, Guidestar will develop a hardware-based concept design for the image-based tracking system that is compatible with phased array HEL systems and provides the desired performance.directed energy,Active Tracking,Phased arrays,digital holography

In the Phase I effort, Guidestar developed a phased array fine tracking and aimpoint maintenance system concept and evaluated the performance using modeling and simulation. In the Phase II effort, Guidestar will focus on advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of the phased array imaging solution to prepare it for field testing. Guidestar will develop and test a phased array imaging prototype in a laboratory setting. This prototype will initially be developed at low speeds to verify processing algorithms and hardware interfaces. Guidestar will develop a laboratory testing environment that will replicate imaging effects that the prototype will experience in relevant engagements. The laboratory testbed will represent the phased array imaging technique operating in relevant environments. Phase II testing will culminate in a real-time laboratory test using a cooperative target source. This real time laboratory testing will show that the imaging and processing system for the phased array imaging and tracking system is ready to transition to field testing.