SDIO autonomous alignment system research

Gary Golnik; Louis J. Palumbo; Alex Ballantyne; Michelle A. Thomas; Adam W. Bailey; George A. Hart; Mark A. Smith; Daniel Ray Wildt

doi:10.1117/12.160424

15 October 1993 SDIO autonomous alignment system research

Gary Golnik, Louis J. Palumbo, Alex Ballantyne, Michelle A. Thomas, Adam W. Bailey, George A. Hart, Mark A. Smith, Daniel Ray Wildt

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1996, Optical Alignment; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.160424
Event: SPIE's 1993 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1993, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO) has supported a series of programs designed to automate the alignment, calibration, and control processes required for High Energy Laser (HEL) systems. HEL systems, whether based in space or on mobile platforms, must be aligned autonomously in order to meet mission requirements. Since these systems are generally large and lightweight, they are mechanically flexible. This flexibility results in launch or flight disturbances to alignment, as well as variations to alignment during long-term operation. This paper describes the alignment requirements for HEL systems, using the Space Based Chemical Laser (SBL) as the basis. Much of the discussion applies to any HEL system. The background of the alignment programs is described, and the goals of the group of programs are summarized. The alignment technologies described in this paper may find use in a wide variety of other applications requiring automated control of optical systems.

Citation Download Citation

Gary Golnik, Louis J. Palumbo, Alex Ballantyne, Michelle A. Thomas, Adam W. Bailey, George A. Hart, Mark A. Smith, and Daniel Ray Wildt "SDIO autonomous alignment system research", Proc. SPIE 1996, Optical Alignment, (15 October 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.160424

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available