Abstract

This paper describes the laser radar technology program being conducted by the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) in support of the new Global Protection Against Limited Strikes (GPALS) and follow on missions. Concomitant efforts are developing laser radar systems, components, and data bases. Component/laser radar system development include efforts in agile optical beam steering technology, coherent CO₂, and direct detection Nd: YAG laser radar systems. Investigative measurement of space deployment phenomenology are being conducted using the MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Firepond Research Facility and specially designed payloads lofted aboard sounding rockets from Wallops Island, Virginia, into suborbital trajectories. Compact ranges are being used to make far-field, mono-and bistatic target measurements at 10.6, 1.06, and 0.53 μm.

© 1991 Optical Society of America