Validation of active tracking laser beam propagation and target signature predictions

James F. Riker

doi:10.1117/12.472373

25 June 2002 Validation of active tracking laser beam propagation and target signature predictions

James F. Riker

Proceedings Volume 4724, Laser Weapons Technology III; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.472373
Event: AeroSense 2002, 2002, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

In developing High Energy Laser (HEL) weapons, it is necessary to understand the absolute radiometry associated with propagating the beam to the target. This is important for setting filter attenuation levels for the tracker, laser beacons, and battle damage assessment sensors, along with more traditional calculations of laser fluence on the target. In this paper, we will present the theory and experimental validation for laser beams propagating over large distances through atmospheric turbulence. We conducted several experiments at Starfire Optical Range (SOR) in Albuquerque during 1997 to prove that we can accurately predict the uplink irradiance, the target signature, and the power levels or signal received from laser propagation. Specifically, using the Lageos satellite, we were able to predict the absolute signal to within 20% of the measured values. Subsequent experiments verify that the models we developed continue to accurately predict the absolute radiometry associated with laser beam propagation. The results should be useful for laser sensing, modeling and simulation, and exploitation and target recognition.

Citation Download Citation

James F. Riker "Validation of active tracking laser beam propagation and target signature predictions", Proc. SPIE 4724, Laser Weapons Technology III, (25 June 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.472373

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