Executive Summary
This report details novel methods for measuring atmospheric turbulence, crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of High-Energy Laser (HEL) and Directed Energy (DE) weapons. It transitions from mechanical to solid-state electro-optic phase modulators and introduces a dual-EO benchtop turbulence simulator for controlled testing. These advancements aim to improve real-time atmospheric characterization, enabling more reliable deployment of DE systems in dynamic environments.
Why It Matters
This document is critical for defense analysts because it addresses a fundamental challenge in deploying directed energy weapons: atmospheric interference. Improved turbulence measurement directly enhances the operational viability and effectiveness of HEL systems against emerging threats like drones, impacting future naval warfare capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Solid-state electro-optic modulators replace mechanical systems, eliminating noise and increasing sampling bandwidth for turbulence measurement.
- A novel dual-EO benchtop simulator allows for controlled, reproducible testing of atmospheric conditions, crucial for calibrating phase-unwrapping algorithms.
- Enhanced real-time atmospheric characterization is vital for optimizing the deployment of HEL/DE systems, offering a cost-effective alternative to kinetic interceptors against drone swarms.
- Future work focuses on validating the benchtop simulator, mitigating thermal effects in open-air testing, and ruggedizing the system for shipboard deployment.
Strategic Relevance
Accurate and real-time measurement of atmospheric turbulence is strategically vital for the effective deployment of Directed Energy (DE) weapons, particularly for naval forces. This research directly contributes to overcoming a key operational limitation of DE systems, enabling their use as a cost-effective countermeasure against threats like UAS and improving overall battlefield decision-making regarding weapon selection.