Computationally-Intelligent Photon Diversity in Quantum Atmospheric Sensing and Directed Energy
Abstract
Approved for Public ReleaseComputationally Intelligent Photon Diversity in Quantum Atmospheric Sensing and Directed EnergySergio Carbajo, University of California Los AngelesHigh-power laser systems, their controlled delivery, and advanced target detection diagnostics are at the heart of directed energy weapons (DEW) research. This proposal seeks to address long-standing challenges in real-time 4D (3D+time) adaptive laser pulse-shaping to control atmospheric interactions and adjust to rapidly-changing conditions for ultrashort and high-intensity laser pulses. To meet our objectives, we will incorporate emerging interferometric techniques beyond the standard quantum limit (SQL) relying on ultralow-noise phase control to perform multi-modal detection for (i) quantum atmospheric sensing, such as remote aerosol, gas, and metal-metalloid species sensing as well as larger particulates affecting climate variables; (ii) accurately determining the level and dynamical behavior of (deep) turbulence beyond Rytov and Reynold approximations; and (iii) gaining computationally-intelligent situational awareness and predictive capabilities to overcome or compensate for atmospheric turbulence channels, such as scintillation and diffraction, scattering, thermal blooming, and (self-)lensing. Our methods will rely on novel optical frequency comb laser beam synthesis based on correlated photon diversity to generate laser beams with customized and non-conventional spatio-temporal properties and integrated quantum sensing capabilities that leverage artificial neural networks to critically estimate the performance of future high-energy directed energy and intelligently steer, push and pull, or nudge targets using complex multi-dimensional photon-pressure gradients in maritime environments. Our technical approach leverages key fundamental demonstrations in structured photonic architectures, adaptive optics, ultraprecise phase-stabilization, quantum optics and sensing, and emerging machine-learning and reverse engineering methods with a track record of real-world applications beyond academic research in US National Laboratory and Industrial complexes. Atmospheric sensing and predictive adaptive beam stewardship are essential for the U.S. Navy, security and defense, and the economy as it provides the ability to detect, monitor, and predict the behavior of environmental conditions, such as weather, ocean currents, and air quality. By leveraging predictive ability, intelligent adaptive laser synthesis allows faster beam shaping and more accurate scanning, targeting, and removal of security vulnerabilities. This information can be used to inform decisions about ship movements, fleet operations, and surveillance activities, and to improve the safety andefficiency of operations. Extending the physical limits of sensing to measure and analyze complex datasets from the environment at the thermodynamic and quantum noise limits can revolutionize current paradigms in threat anticipation and counter-action by providing insight for the first time into highly-correlated climate and atmospheric variables. The unique combination of emerging computationally-intelligent adaptive laser synthesis using correlated photon diversity and a distributed in situ quantum sensor network could provide the US Navy with an unparalleled capacity to understand, predict, control, and act on rapidly changing atmospheric phenomenaand security breaches. The outcomes of this research will expand beyond the US Navy and provide a cost-effective solution to reducethe risks of atmospheric operations and enable maritime and atmospheric science and exploration, environmental catastrophe prediction and mitigation strategies, beam energy propulsion, and space exploration to bolster long-term US and global well-being and security.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 21, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142412038
Entities
People
- Sergio Carbajo
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Los Angeles