FIBERTEK, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF151-143

Description

ABSTRACT:We propose wide-angle, large-aperture, high-speed, non-mechanical beam-steering (NMBS) for transmit/receive of coherent lidar/ladar beams, to enable high-resolution imaging via synthetic aperture techniques. This is based on the use of state-of-the-art, high-speed, liquid-crystal technology and components. The focus in the SBIR Phase 1 program is to assess the wave-front (phase) distortion for fine-steering and coarse steering application, via measurement of the static and dynamic response of such beam-steering components. In addition, we also provide an optical system model incorporating such elements for use in a SAL system, and also assess other related limitations on image resolution. The proposed work leverages prior and ongoing work at Fibertek, on the use of such NMBS components for high-resolution 3D Imaging direct-detection ladar, as well as coherent lidar systems for high-resolution wind velocity mapping. BENEFIT:(1) High resolution imaging, beyond the diffraction limit of real aperture, for combat-ID and target-ID purpose (2) High-resolution imaging for long ranges(>100s of km), including from space platform. (3) Velocity-field mapping for coherent lidar application for wind-sensing, via scanning line-of-sight lidar beam. (4) Random-access steering for 3D Imaging Ladar, or for free-space lasercom terminals