Research Summaries

Back Propagation of High Energy Lasers for Various Wavelengths, Power Levels, and Atmospheric Conditions

Fiscal Year 2018
Division Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department Physics
Investigator(s) Cohn, Keith R.
Blau, Joseph A.
Sponsor Naval Sea Systems Command (Navy)
Summary The USN is moving forward with plans to deploy high energy lasers (HELs) to the fleet, including the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system, which is slated for deployment on a DDG 51 FltIIA in the 2020 timeframe. HEL performance is strongly affected by various atmospheric effects, including absorption, scattering, and turbulence. We propose to conduct further research on these effects. This would help guide the Navy in developing designs and tactics for laser weapons in various scenarios. The goal is real-time atmospheric characterization to inform Combat System automation.
An important atmospheric effect is ship-induced optical turbulence. Solar heating of the ship’s deck during the day, and the complex airflow around the superstructure, could induce significant turbulence in the immediate vicinity of the laser beam director. Last year, we conducted an experiment to study this effect onboard the Self Defense Test Ship while in port at Port Hueneme. Results indicate that it could impact laser weapon performance, and warrants further study. We are planning repeat this experiment on an underway DDG 51 FltIIA in late June 2018. The results of this experiment will be incorporated into our laser performance model (ANCHOR) and other wave propagation codes to estimate the effect of ship-induced turbulence on target irradiance.
Since ANCHOR runs very rapidly, it could form the basis for a real-time tool for predicting laser performance, incorporating local meteorology measurements and atmospheric forecasts from models such as COAMPS. This would be a useful tool for the warfighter, and could eventually be integrated into an automated Combat System. We propose enhancements to ANCHOR to facilitate this application of it.
A further goal of this research is to continue educating naval officers at NPS about HEL weapons and their effects. These officers will conduct thesis research to contribute to this project.
Deliverables from this project will include monthly written reports, student theses, and presentations to the sponsor.
Keywords Directed Energy
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal