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Low Power Fiber-based Laser Range Finder
Navy SBIR 2016.1 - Topic N161-033 NAVSEA - Mr. Dean Putnam - dean.r.putnam@navy.mil Opens: January 11, 2016 - Closes: February 17, 2016 N161-033 TITLE: Low Power Fiber-based Laser Range Finder TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS435, Submarine Electromagnetic Systems The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop a compact, fiber-based, low power laser range finder to accurately point and resolve ranges. DESCRIPTION: The Navy is developing a new panoramic imaging mast and upgrading existing masts. The size of these new masts will be similar in size to existing traditional submarine periscopes for which general information is widely available. These masts will offer much lower space and power allocation to a laser rangefinder than the previous generation. In addition, it is desirable to lower the transmit power of the laser rangefinder while maintaining the range in order to reduce the probability of counter detection. These challenges necessitate development of an innovative optical fiber-based delivery laser range finder (LRF) decoupled from the imaging system’s optical axis (reference 1). A fiber based LRF will allow the transmitter to be located separately from the remainder of the components, reducing space requirements in the mast. The laser range finder must have a low probability of intercept and must transmit lower power than typical currently available products (references 2 and 3). Any new mast or legacy mast could benefit from such an LRF. The LRF must accurately point and resolve ranges. Compact fiber based laser range finders are discussed in reference 4. The laser must be able to fit within limited space and would ideally be located about three feet away from the masthead. Firing and directing of the laser range finder through the imaging system’s optical axis may not be possible. The architecture of new imaging masts for the Virginia and SSGN class submarines may not allow the laser beam to share the optical axis with the visible camera’s optical axis. The following capabilities for the fiber-based, low power laser range finder are desired. • Eye safe emissions • Equivalent performance to that described in reference 4, or equivalent performance to commercially available laser range finders such as the FLIR systems MLR-10K or the ROX FVKM-NCBA • Innovative solutions to reduce laser energy detection from threat sensors, such as employing covert waveforms, having a low pulse energy (less than 1mJ), employing non-common wavelengths, and others • Total volume, without the fiber, less than 80 cubic centimeters
The Navy requires the technology developed to enable the insertion of a laser range finder into submarine mast systems to reduce space requirements where a mast must be smaller and to remove a heat source from above the water, which has signature implications. The capability proposed in this topic will enable enhancements to mission capability and performance through introduction of an innovative new laser range finder capability. The removal of the laser generation from the sensor head and transmission of the laser through optical fiber will allow removal of a heat source from above the water, with obvious signature and reduction in mast size implications. In addition, reduction in laser power as implications on signature as well. PHASE I: The company will define and develop a conceptual design for a compact, fiber-based, low power laser range finder that meets the requirements described above. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of the concept through laser range requirements and show that the concepts can be feasibly developed into a useful product for the Navy. Material testing and analytical modeling will be analyzed to establish design feasibility. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include a design layout and capabilities for the Phase II prototype. PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will develop a scaled fiber-based, low power laser range finder prototype for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW and the Navy requirements for laser range finding. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will be delivered at the end of Phase II and meets Navy requirements. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy use. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, the company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use for the Submarine Electromagnetic Systems program. The company will develop a laser range finder for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. The company will support integration and testing aboard operational platforms. Commercial use of this technology includes a lightweight fiber based laser range finder for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), land surveys, and commercial navigation systems. These are examples of systems that are being miniaturized on a yearly basis and would benefit from smaller, lower power laser rangefinders. REFERENCES: 1. L3 Kollmorgan "Submarine Optronic Products." 2013, http://www2.l-3com.com/keo/products/submarine.htm 2. J. Dubois and F. Reid, "Detecting laser sources on the battlefield," Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6796, 67962F, 2007 3. Frank Hanson, Ike Bendall, Christina Deckard, and Hiba Haidar, "Off-axis detection and characterization of laser beams in the maritime atmosphere," Applied Optics, Vol. 50, No. 18, 20 June 2011 4. Lew Goldberg, John Nettleton, Brad Schilling, Ward Trussel, Alan Hays, "Compact laser sources for laser designation, ranging and active imaging," Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6552, 65520G, 2007 KEYWORDS: Laser Range Finder; fiber laser; low probability of intercept; active imaging; off-axis detection; panoramic imaging mast TPOC-1: Jose Barbosa Phone: 401-832-7032 Email: jose.g.barbosa@navy.mil TPOC-2: Eric Rabe Phone: 401-832-8037 Email: eric.rabe@navy.mil Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.
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