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Optical System Technology
IMAGING POLARIMETERS
Imaging polarimeters provide an added dimension to the object detection and recognition space creating a significant increase in situational awareness. Objects that have specular reflective surfaces can be clearly discriminated from a diffusively reflective background through the use of image polarimetry. Objects hidden from view by shadows come out into the open.
TFX optical polarimeters are rugged small form factor devices developed for applications including object detection, discrimination, and identification. Sniper detection is one application for image polarimetry. Existing sniper detection systems rely on acoustic noise to detect a sniper only after a shot has been fired placing personnel in harm’s way. With image polarimetry, the signature of a sniper’s tools (gun barrel, scope) can be discriminated from the shadows and cover of the sniper’s hide before a shot has been fired.
TFX optical polarimeters are rugged small form factor devices developed for applications including object detection, discrimination, and identification. Sniper detection is one application for image polarimetry. Existing sniper detection systems rely on acoustic noise to detect a sniper only after a shot has been fired placing personnel in harm’s way. With image polarimetry, the signature of a sniper’s tools (gun barrel, scope) can be discriminated from the shadows and cover of the sniper’s hide before a shot has been fired.
MEMS ADAPTIVE OPTICS SYSTEMS
Recent advances in MEMS technology have resulted in miniature deformable mirrors (DM) that provide unprecedented capabilities for adaptive optics applications. Key applications for this technology include laser range finders and target designators. MEMS DMs offer the capability to compensate for atmospheric effects that would otherwise degrade a laser beam projected over a long range. The small size of the DM contributes to the overall miniaturization of these systems. TFX is a leading developer of this technology.
LASER PLASMA WAKEFIELD ACCELERATORS
TFX is at the forefront of the development and fielding of advanced laser wakefield accelerator (LWFA) systems for directed energy technologies. Recent theoretical and technical breakthroughs in femto-second science have been responsible for the introduction of this enabling technology. These breakthroughs have resulted in systems that produce high luminosity relativistic beams with significantly reduced size, weight, power and cooling demands. These systems can be deployed on a wide range of platforms and in the most demanding environments.
At the core of these laser-plasma systems is a femto-second laser source essential for the creation of the plasma wakefield. The plasma wakefield generated by the laser is a region with an extremely high potential gradient that accelerates injected charged particles to relativistic velocities. This acceleration, which occurs in distances measured in millimeters, has resulted in the development of “table-top” systems. Innovative scaling of the basic LWFA technology results in high luminosity beams.
At the core of these laser-plasma systems is a femto-second laser source essential for the creation of the plasma wakefield. The plasma wakefield generated by the laser is a region with an extremely high potential gradient that accelerates injected charged particles to relativistic velocities. This acceleration, which occurs in distances measured in millimeters, has resulted in the development of “table-top” systems. Innovative scaling of the basic LWFA technology results in high luminosity beams.
LASER INDUCED PLASMA CHANNEL/FILAMENT SYSTEMS
TFX laser induced electrical discharge systems provide revolutionary capabilities for applications including EMP counter-C3I/disruption, perimeter denial, counter IED, and vehicle interdiction. These innovative systems are based on the creation of atmospheric laser plasma channels that are used to conduct extreme high power discharges to or project intense radiation on targets at effective standoff distances.
Essential to the operation of these systems are lasers capable of ionizing atmospheric gases to provide conductive paths for electrical current. A high power fast switching electrical discharge subsystem provides the directed energy source. TFX system integration technology assures a highly mobile supportable system configuration.
Contact TFX for further information concerning optical system technology:
information@tfxsystems.com