Imaging System for Real Time Observation of High Energy Laser Effects

TECH FOCUS AREAS: Directed Energy TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Bio Medical OBJECTIVE: This topic seeks to model, design, build and install an imaging system enabling high energy laser operators to make real-time damage and hazard assessments during combat, utility and test operations. DESCRIPTION: The use of high energy lasers (HEL) in military systems has several advantages (line-of-sight targeting, deep magazine, instantaneous engagement), but HEL effects are influenced by multiple factors that are not always predictable. Depending on the conditions, a HEL procedure may take several seconds or completely fail. During extended lasing procedures operators need feedback as to whether the procedure is having the desired effect. If so, the operator can confidently continue the HEL employment; if not, they can make a timely switch to a different course of action. In addition, the chaotic, uncontrolled battlefield environment requires military HEL operators to make real-time risk determinations. Laser energy reflection modeling can be used to estimate hazard distances and probability of unintended exposure if the surface characteristics of the target are known. Unfortunately targets and their reflection patterns (diffuse, specular collimated, specular divergent) are not always known and are unpredictable. Video imaging of reflection patterns would allow HEL operators to better estimate the effectiveness and the hazards associated with continuing HEL operations. Providing the operator with imagery to support both laser effects and hazard assessments would allow for real-time, high-quality decisions about HEL use on the battlefield and other lasing scenarios including test and laser utility operations. PHASE I: This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, a Phase I award is not required. The offeror is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct to Phase II proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a Phase I-like effort, including a feasibility study. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. The study will have: 1) created imaging models for both HEL damage and hazard assessments; 2) evaluated laser wavelength, power, divergence, lasing distance, target reflectance, ambient illumination, camera sensitivity, aperture, filtering and other factors as potential variables; 3) researched military HEL applications and near-term programs; and 4) design imaging system(s) for real time assessment of HEL operations for one military application. PHASE II: Eligibility for D2P2 is predicated on the offeror having performed a Phase I-like effort predominantly separate from the SBIR/STTR Programs. Build HEL imaging system(s), relevant to one military application. Demonstrate and evaluate the system(s) ability to image HEL performance under variety of operating conditions. Compare measured performance against model(s) predictions. Refine imaging models and redesign imaging system as necessary. Design workstation, including display, graphic user interface and controls, to optimize operator's decision making. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate HEL imaging system into military HEL system. Evaluate HEL operator's ability to assess HEL effects and hazards. NOTES: The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the proposed tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the Air Force SBIR/STTR Help Desk: usaf.team@afsbirsttr.us REFERENCES: 1. Final Report of Defense Science Board Task Force on Directed Energy Weapon Systems and Technology Applications, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Technology and Logistics, December 2007http://www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/reports/ADA476320.pdf; 2. Fiorino, S. et al. Effectiveness Assessment of Tactical Laser Engagement Scenarios in the Lower Atmosphere. Journal of Aerospace Information Systems. Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2013; 3. Sawatzky, C. High dynamic range imaging for laser weld monitoring. Industrial Laser Solutions for Manufacturing 09/04/2013 4. Lilley, K. Army, Air Force helps build laser-wielding MRAP to clear bombs. Army Times. July 6, 2015 https://www.armytimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/07/06/rabdo-redstone-arsenal-air-force/29771333/ KEYWORDS: Diffuse Reflection; Specular Reflection