Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation

United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

Vito F Pizzurro

Carl J Buczek

A dual-beam amplitude-modulated laser transmitter/receiver suitable for laser-radar applications is scalable to high powers because there is no active modulator element that the laser beam passes through. The transceiver comprises a laser source with two separate independent laser optical cavities. Each laser cavity is similar, but each operates at its own frequency. Signals from the two cavities are superimposed at a combining beam splitter to form two transmitter output beams with each combined beam intensity modulated at the laser difference frequency. The output consists of two beams separated in elevation and with equal beam powers from each laser cavity the intensity modulation is 100%. Each beam has its own homodyne detector and separate local oscillator. Thus, each beam path is considered to be a distinct homodyne transceiver. If the frequency of one of the laser sources is changed in time, an AM/FM/CW output suitable for absolute range measurements and fine doppler is generated. The laser transmitter does not require internal or external modulators such as acousto-optic or electro-optic cells. Thus, it is not limited by the modulator characteristics.

Infrared coherent optical sensor

A moving target detector for spinning bodies such as projectiles or missiles uses a linear detector array so mounted on the body as to periodically scan an arcuate target area during the spin of the body. Compensation for the resulting optical growth of the target area image as the body approaches the target is accomplished by serially reading the image information from the detector elements (in a direction radial of the target area) into a delay element chain at a variable rate, and dumping the delay chain contents in parallel into the image memory at a fixed rate. The readout rate variation is pre-programmed prior to launch, and feed-back loop may be provided to adjust the rate if the image evaluation circuits detect apparent radial movement of evidently stationary objects near the target.

Optical growth compensator

A cover (1) for protecting the surface (23) of a lens (3) disposed at the rear surface (21) of a guided projectile (7) is fabricated of Teflon or other soft material. Lens (3) faces rearward to receive guidance signals used to keep projectile (7) on a chosen path. Cover (1) protects lens surface (23) from combustive gases and particulates generated during projectile (7) firing, but must be removed shortly after firing to permit lens (3) to receive its guidance signals. Cover (1) comprises at least one vacated chamber (15) for receiving, via holes (17), high pressure combustive gases during firing. Subsequent to firing, the greater pressure within chamber (15) compared with the pressure surrounding cover (1) produces a net force of removal between cover (1) and projectile (7), causing cover (1) to be removed therefrom as desired.

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Villa Park, CA, United States of America

Vito F Pizzurro