Atmospheric Testing Using AI to Improve Performance Predictions for HEL
Abstract
Sarwat Chappell Code 333 Approved for Public ReleaseOngoing ONR and DoD research with the Wave Propagation Research Group (WPRG) at the Townes Laser Institute (TISTEF), now part of Center for Directed Energy Systems, Science and Technology (C-DESST) at UCF focuses on the effects of atmospheric turbulence on optical systems operating through the atmosphere. The WPRG has developed, and experime ntally verified, mathematical models for free atmospheric turbulence for predicting the performance of optical systems to support th e identification and analysis of High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. These models have been developed and experimentally verifie d for continuous isotropic turbulence along the propagation path. This proposal supports extensive measurements, under varying cond itions, utilizing a comprehensive set of state of the art instrumentation, with the goal of expanding and enhancing the data set dev eloped under previous programs. Going beyond classical turbulence measurements, we plan to study non-homogeneous and anisotropic at mospheric turbulence, making measurements over various terrain surfaces, and expanding to over-water measurements. These conditions need to be modeled and understood to develop successful tactical instrument systems. These models, developed using high fidelity da ta, will aid in the prediction of the operational characteristics of proposed new optical and laser-based systems. The models will help to provide data inputs for Artificial Intelligent (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) systems to create high fidelity predictions th at can continuously adapt to current ambient conditions. To complement the high-fidelity atmospheric data sets collected, we will co llect real time imagery and laser data after atmospheric distortions have been applied. These data will be used to train deep neura l networks and validate the solutions provided by the ML system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112755
Entities
People
- Robert Crabbs
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Central Florida Board of Trustees