BeaconLess Adaptive-optic System & Technology (BLAST) for HEL beam control Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Topic No.: N131-076 Topic Title: BeaconLess Adaptive-optic System & Technology (BLAST) for HEL beam control Proposal No.: N131-076-0150 Firm: Advanced Systems & Technologies, Inc 23 Mauchly #109 Irvine, California 92618-2330 Contact: Vladimir Markov Phone: (949) 733-3355 Web Site: www.asatechinc.com Abstract: Effective performance of prospective energy-delivering laser systems requires a beaconless adaptive optic method capable of correcting moderate to heavy atmospheric distortion of high-power beams. The innovative method described here implements a beaconless sensor based on the collection of target-scattered light. Post-processing of the beacon-detected field will allow retrieval and complete characterization of the turbulence-perturbed wavefront. During the Phase I program we will perform detailed theoretical analysis, modeling, design and integration of the BLAST breadboard. The proof-of-concept BLAST breadboard will demonstrate the detection and characterization of wavefront aberrations and the ability to compensate for distortions in simulated perturbations equivalent to Rytov > 0.3. In Phase II a highly-developed prototype-level BLAST system will be tested and proven in realistic field environments. Benefits: Various military and civil applications will benefit from the development of the beaconless sensor. The BLAST approach can be used in all imaging and telescope systems such as astronomy, space surveillance, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and optical communications which are limited in resolution by atmospheric turbulence. It can be also used in the areas where sub-surface imaging or image corrections are of interest including microscopy, ophthalmology, eye surgery and vision correction. Return