(U) Optical Component Technology

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The Beam Control thrust involves the development and transition of advanced optical systems for laser propagation and high resolution imaging applications.

Description: (U)
(U)  There are several optical component development efforts in progress to support beam control requirements. Scaling of concepts for
critical optical components, including a low-flow mirror design, cooled windows, and aperture sharing elements, was begun in FY95, with plans for delivery and laboratory evaluation in FY96/FY97.

(U)  Using speckle imaging techniques, the first satellite images have been obtained with the new Starfire Optical Range (SOR) 3.5 meter telescope. This technique, which uses computer post-processing to improve the quality and resolution of an image, has been extended with additional tests to evaluate the synergistic effects on image quality of working with atmospheric compensation using adaptive optics. Successful results from these experiments will provide a technology for future upgrades of the imaging capabilities at operational optical sites for contribution to the space surveillance mission.

User Impact: (U)
(U) None.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Concept/Technology.
	(U) IOC: 02/1996 (2QFY1996).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Beam Control

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) TECHNOLOGY- RDT&E.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)