Source technology as the foundation for modern infra-red counter measures (IRCM)

Robert J. Grasso

doi:10.1117/12.869848

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12 October 2010 Source technology as the foundation for modern infra-red counter measures (IRCM)

Robert J. Grasso

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Proceedings Volume 7836, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures VII; 783604 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.869848
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2010, Toulouse, France

Abstract

Protection of military aircraft from IR guided threats is paramount to ensure the survivability of aircrews, platforms, and to ensure mission success. At the foundation of all IRCM systems is the source; that component that provides the in-band radiant energy required for threat defeat. As such, source technology has evolved with IRCM technology to encompass the evolving systems architectures that encompass IRCM: 1) "Hot Brick" omni-directional sources; 2) arc lamps, and; 3) lasers. Lasers, as IRCM sources continue to evolve to meet the challenges of ever-evolving threats, superior techniques, economy of installation, and superior source technology. Lasers represent the single greatest advance in IRCM source technology and continue to evolve to meet ever more sophisticated threats. And have been used with great effect in all modern IRCM systems; evolving from frequency doubled CO2 lasers, to solid state lasers with OPOs, to semiconductor lasers including Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs); these last devices represent the latest advance in IRCM source technology offering all-band coverage, architectural simplicity, and economy of scale. While QCLs represent the latest advance in IRCM laser technology, fiber lasers show much promise in addressing multi-band operation as well as the ability to be coherently combined to achieve even greater output capability. Also, ultra-short pulse lasers are evolving to become practical for IRCM applications. Stay tuned ......

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Robert J. Grasso "Source technology as the foundation for modern infra-red counter measures (IRCM)", Proc. SPIE 7836, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures VII, 783604 (12 October 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.869848

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