Advanced Optical Fuzing Technology
Abstract
We are developing a robust, compact, and affordable photonic proximity sensor for munition fuze applications. Successful implementation of this sensor will provide a new capability for direct fire applications. The photonic component development exploits pioneering work and unique expertise at ARDEC, ARL, and Sandia National Laboratories by combining key optoelectronic technologies to design and demonstrate components for this fuzing application Ruff, et al. 1994; Stann, et al. 1996; Simonis, et al. 2000; Liu, et al. 2000. The vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), the p-i-n or metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors, and miniature lenses optics. This work will culminate in a robust, fully integrated, g-hardened component design suitable for proximity fuzing applications. This compact sensor will replace costly assemblies that are based on discrete lasers, photodetectors, and bulk optics. It will be mass manufacturable and impart huge savings for such applications. The specific application under investigation us fir gun-fired munitions. Nevertheless, numerous civilian uses exist for this proximity sensor in automotive, robotics and aerospace applications. This technology is also applicable to robotic ladar and short-range 3-D imaging.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA432853
Entities
People
- Christian M. Von Der Lippe
- George Simonis
- Gerard Dang
- J. J. Liu
- Keith Aliberti
- Paul Shen
- Wayne Chang
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center