Performance assessment of MEMS adaptive optics in tactical airborne systems

Robert K. Tyson

doi:10.1117/12.363564

27 September 1999 Performance assessment of MEMS adaptive optics in tactical airborne systems

Robert K. Tyson

Proceedings Volume 3762, Adaptive Optics Systems and Technology; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.363564
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1999, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

Tactical airborne electro-optical systems are severely constrained by weight, volume, power, and cost. Micro- electrical-mechanical adaptive optics provide a solution that addresses the engineering realities without compromising spatial and temporal compensation requirements. Through modeling and analysis, we determined that substantial benefits could be gained for laser designators, ladar, countermeasures, and missile seekers. The developments potential exists for improving seeker imagery resolution 20 percent, extending countermeasures keep-out range by a factor of 5, doubling the range for ladar detection and identification, and compensating for supersonic and hypersonic aircraft boundary layers. Innovative concepts are required for atmospheric pat hand boundary layer compensation. We have developed design that perform these tasks using high speed scene-based wavefront sensing, IR aerosol laser guide stars, and extended-object wavefront beacons. We have developed a number of adaptive optics system configurations that met the spatial resolution requirements and we have determined that sensing and signal processing requirements can be met. With the help of micromachined deformable mirrors and sensor, we will be able to integrate the systems into existing airborne pods and missiles as well as next generation electro-optical systems.

Citation Download Citation

Robert K. Tyson "Performance assessment of MEMS adaptive optics in tactical airborne systems", Proc. SPIE 3762, Adaptive Optics Systems and Technology, (27 September 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.363564

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