Short Courses
The following short courses will be offered by DEPS on 22 July and 26 July 2019 in Swindon, UK.
However, not all courses are open to all registrants. All of the classes are unclassified, but some have additional participation requirements,
which are listed below and are identified in the Classification field in the course descriptions.
- Open/Public Release - Any registrant may participate.
- Limited Distribution C - Restricted to U.S. and U.K. citizens who are employees of their respective federal governments or its contractors participating under the current Information Exchange Agreements.
- Limited Distribution D - Restricted to U.S. and U.K. citizens who are employees of their respective Departments of Defense or its contractors participating under the current Information Exchange Agreements.
Continuing Education Unit
(CEU) credits are awarded by DEPS for
completion of their professional development short courses.
Course 1. Introduction to High Energy Laser Systems
Classification: Unclassified, Open/Public Release
Instructor: Matthew Leigh, DE JTO
Duration: Half-day course; 1300 to 1700, Monday, 22 July
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description:This lecture will introduce the field of HEL weapons and their associated technologies
using an interweaving of technical requirements, history, and accomplishments. The basic attributes of HEL weapons will be
covered, leading into discussions of laser-material interaction, lethality, potential weapon applications, system requirements,
laser power scaling, propagation, and beam control. DoD interest in tactical applications, current technical issues, and areas
of research emphasis will be highlighted.
Intended Audience: This course is geared to those with a technical background who seek an overview of HEL
technology and the current state of the art. Individuals who are beginning to work in the field or technical managers who
wish an integrated overview would benefit from the class.
Instructor Biography: Matthew Leigh earned his BS in Physics from Brigham Young University. He earned his PhD in Physics at the University of Arizona, and his dissertation work was on pulsed fiber lasers under the direction of Dr. Nasser
Peyghambarian. He worked at Spectra-Physics, NP Photonics, and
Envisioneering before entering government service. He helped out with a
number of projects at NSWC-DD, including the LaWS program. He was selected
to serve as the Navy Science and Technology Representative at the High
Energy Laser Joint Technology Office where he has been overseeing the
university Multidisciplinary Research Initiative program and the Atmospheric
Propagation TAWG.
Course 2. Introduction to High Power Microwave Systems
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution C
Instructor: Samuel Gutierrez, AFRL
Duration: Half-day course; 1300-1700, Monday, 22 July
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description:
This course will provide an introduction to RF Directed Energy weapons, also known as
High Power Microwave (HPM) weapons. The course consists of five parts: 1) a general introduction to the basic terms
and concepts, 2) prime power and pulsed power systems needed to drive HPM devices, 3) HPM sources to include concepts
and examples, 4) HPM narrowband and wideband antennas, and 5) design and fabrication of HPM systems.
At the end of the class, students will know what RF-DEWs are and how they differ from classical Electronic Warfare
and nuclear EMP. Students will learn the various ways to design and develop HPM subsystems to include the fundamental
concepts through the practical construction of such systems (science and engineering). Technology discussions will
show the difference between narrow band (NB) and ultra-wide band (UWB) sources, antennas and diagnostics, as well as
the principal elements of the power systems needed to support them. The course concludes with a examples of HPM systems
developed in the recent years. Topics to be covered include:
- Definitions, motivation, notional concepts
- Technology - Power Sources and Power Conditioning, Microwave Oscillators, Antennas, Diagnostics
- System level design for multiple application
Intended Audience: Newcomers to the field of RF-DEW or managers with some background in science and engineering
will benefit the most from this course.
Instructor Biography:
Sam Gutierrez has over 30 years of experience in directing and performing RDT&E programs. He has worked extensively in
Simulation, Effects, Test, and Prototyping of both HPM and High Energy Laser systems. He has had assignments in HPM, Optics,
HPC, Test, and as Staff Specialist for DEW at the ASD/R&E. He is currently a Principal Engineer and Program Manager in the
AFRL/RD HPM division. He holds an MSEE from the New Mexico State University, a BSEE from the University of New Mexico,
DAU level 3 Ratings in SE and S&T management, and FAA Pilot ratings in airplane and rotary wing aircraft.
Course 3. Atmospheric Laser Propagation
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution C
Instructors:
- Steven Fiorino, AFIT
- Jack McCrae, AFIT
Duration: Half-day course; 1300-1700, Monday, 22 July
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course addresses how to characterize and quantify the major effects of the atmosphere
on directed energy weapons propagation. A first principles atmospheric propagation and characterization code called the Laser
Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) is described and demonstrated. LEEDR enables the creation of
climatologically- or numerical weather prediction (NWP)-derived vertical profiles of temperature, pressure, water vapor
content, optical turbulence, and atmospheric particulates and hydrometeors as they relate to line-by-line or band-averaged
layer extinction coefficient magnitude at any wavelength from 200 nm to 8.6 m. Applying those atmospheric effects to High
Energy Lasers (HELs) is addresses by introducing and demonstrating a high-fidelity scaling-law HEL propagation coded called
the High Energy Laser End-to-End Operational Simulation HELEEOS. The course outline is as follows:
- Intro to atmospheric structure and constituents
- Atmospheric boundary layer
- Aerosol / fog / clouds
- Atmospheric radiative / propagation effects
- Extinction, refraction
- Optical turbulence, scintillation
- Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR)
- HEL thermal blooming effects in the atmosphere
- Optics, beam control: turbulence / thermal blooming compensation
- Coherent beam combining
- High Energy Laser End to End Operational Simulation (HELEEOS)
Intended Audience: US Government personnel and their direct contractors who have program requirements for or are
interested in methods and tools to assess realistic environments and environmental effects for HEL modeling and simulation,
HEL mission planning, and/or military systems operations. The course assumes the students have some technical background in
radiative transfer through the atmosphere--either via an undergraduate degree or career experience.
Instructor Biographies: Steven T. Fiorino received his BS degrees in geography and meteorology from Ohio State (1987) and Florida State (1989) universities. He additionally
holds an MS in atmospheric dynamics from Ohio State (1993) and a PhD in
physical meteorology from Florida State (2002). He is a retired USAF Lt Col
who is currently an Associate Professor of atmospheric physics within the
Engineering Physics Department at AFIT and is the director of the AFIT
Center for Directed Energy. His research interests include microwave remote
sensing, development of weather signal processing algorithms, and
atmospheric effects on military systems such as high-energy lasers and
weapons of mass destruction. Dr. Fiorino is a member of SPIE, AMS, AIAA,
OSA, and DEPS.
Jack E. McCrae, Jr. received his Ph.D. in Physics from the Air Force
Institute of Technology in 1997, an M.S. in Physics (Optics) from the Air
Force Institute of Technology in 1993, and a B.S. in Physics from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984. He is a retired Air Force
Colonel with 27 years of service and currently a Research Assistant
Professor with the Center for Directed Energy in the Engineering Physics
Department at AFIT. His research interests include optics, lasers, quantum
and non-linear optics, laser radar, atmospheric propagation and imaging.
Course 4. Laser Deconfliction
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructors:
- LeAnn Brasure, Gryphon Technologies
- Heather Witts, JFCC SPACE/J95
Duration: Half-day course; 0800-1200, Friday 26 July
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course is intended to teach the "Why, Who, What, How and What's New" of Laser Deconfliction (LD) - the process by which assets are protected from accidental illumination by lasers. Predictive Avoidance (PA), protecting space assets and Airspace Deconfliction (AD), protecting air assets, will also be covered in the course. As the AD process is not as mature as the PA process, it will not be covered in as much detail.
PA and AD are critical pieces of the testing process for DoD and NSF laser systems and a knowledgeable and proactive approach by the testing organization can maximize test windows and minimize frustration. The course is also intended to help the laser community work together in this area and provide a consistent source of information on current issues, capabilities developed by other groups, and what's in store for the future. The course has recently been updated to include the Navy's recent development of a software-only safety system and a commercially available system. The goal of this course is to familiarize the student with the reasons behind PA, the process for working with the Laser Clearing House (LCH) as well as tools and points of contact available to hopefully simplify and clarify the process. In addition, the course will cover efforts in the community to standardize the process and make the safety requirements more in line with current probabilistic risk assessment methodology.
Topics to be covered include:
- Intro (who, what, where, when, how)
- Policy - Defining the environment, present and future
- Implementation - How do we keep assets safe
- How do we identify risks, to include tools available
Intended Audience: Anyone who is currently involved or anticipates involvement in laser testing will benefit
from this course. Test planners and managers as well as those technically involved with the testing are welcome.
Instructor Biographies: LeAnn Brasure works for Gryphon Technologies supporting the DE JTO as part of their technical team. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a BS in Physics and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. She obtained her Masters Degree in nuclear physics through the Air Force Institute of Technology and retired from the Air Force after 24 years of active duty service. During her active duty time she had assignments including WSMC (Vandenberg AFB), AFTAC (Patrick AFB) as well as a physics instructor at the Air Force Academy. She began to focus on solid state lasers during her assignment as an AFRL Laboratory Representative at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Her last assignment was with AFRL at Kirtland AFB as the Solid State Laser Branch Chief. Her role as a part of the HEL JTO team is to monitor current technology projects and help define new technology development programs such as the JTO's Predictive Avoidance and Airspace Deconfliction effort. In addition, she has recently begun work on international agreements, helping the JTO craft multi-service agreements to facilitate international collaboration.
Heather Witts is the DE Engineer for the JFSCC/J359. In that role she advises JFSCC and laser programs in carrying out the Laser Clearinghouse mission. She was accepted into the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NuPOC) Program in 2001 and graduated from Luther College with a BA in Math and Physics in May 2003. She received her commission in December 2003, completed sea tours on USS IWO JIMA and USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER, and passed the nuclear engineers exam. In August 2008, Heather reported to Vandenberg AFB as Deputy Chief of the Directed Energy Branch where she spent most of her time dedicated to carrying out the LCH mission. In late 2010 she transitioned out of the active force, into the Navy Reserves, and became an AF civilian - remaining in a similar position at JFSCC. She obtained a Master's Degree in Engineering Management in from Old Dominion University in 2011. Ms. Witts is primarily responsible for deconfliction related policy, new implementation strategies, and deconfliction related technology.
Course 5. HPM Effects and Data Collection
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution C (US), Confidential (UK)
Instructor: Timothy Clarke, Air Force Research Laboratory
Day/Time: Half-day course; 0800-1200, Friday, 26 July
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course will provide a basic overview of Radio Frequency Directed Energy
(RF DE) and its effects on electronic systems. The course will cover what RF DE is, how it is similar to but
different from classic Electronic Warfare (EW) and Nuclear generated Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), and how it
penetrates targets systems and produces effects ranging from temporary interference to permanent damage.
We will also discuss the statistical nature of RF coupling to electronics and effects and how effect levels
are best described as a probability of effect or failure. Finally we will describe some RF effects models
and how they can be used to estimate probability of target effect. Topics include:
- RF DE Systems-Narrow Band and Wide Band RF
- RF Propagation and Coupling
- Effects on Electronic and Probability of Effect
- Effects Investigation Methodology
- RF Effects Models and Simulation
Intended Audience: The course is intended for anyone who wants to learn to the basics of RF DE
and how it effects on electronics, Even though it does not require a bachelor's degree in science or
engineering, it is meant for individual with some back ground in science or engineering and/or in technical
program management.
Instructor Biography: Dr. Timothy Clarke is the High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Effects Technology Manager at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. He has worked in
the area of HPEM for about 15 years. His PhD is from the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical
Physics, Cambridge University.
Course 6. Introduction to the DoD Test & Evaluation Process
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructor: Harry Sinsheimer, DE-JTO
Duration: Half-day course; 0800-1200, Friday, 26 July
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course discusses the fundamentals of testing DoD systems, with an emphasis on
directed energy systems. Topics include:
- Overview of Defense Acquisition System
- Where do we start? - Good requirements
- The role of the Systems Engineering process
- Test Planning - when and what do we do it?
- Test Development Strategy
- Test & Evaluation Master Plan
- Role of Test Lead manager
- Types of testing/when started/finished
- Developmental Testing
- Initial Operational T&E
- Live Fire T&E
- Test execution and reporting
- Directed energy testing issues
- Instrumentation
- Safety
- Training
- Best practices and lessons learned
- Some important test parameters of laser systems
Intended Audience: While the primary audience for the course remains DoD staff, DEPS shares the course broadly, not
as a blueprint, but in a spirit of collegiality and an interest in contributing to others' efforts and continuing our collective
dialogue about Directed Energy. As a basic introduction to T&E, it is suitable for personnel in other technical acquisition
management and program management positions who want to understand more about T&E and the critical role it plays in DE system
acquisition.
Instructor Biography: Harry Sinsheimer serves as the Deputy Director to the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office
since February 2017. As the Deputy Director, Harry's expertise, knowledge, and skills including an understanding of laser
technology, directed energy weapons, test and evaluation, financial management, logistics, program analysis, organizational and
force structure will advocate, develop and execute a High Energy Laser investment strategy that builds on existing programs
while exploiting promising new technology developments for High Energy Laser weapon system applications. Prior to this role
Harry was a business consultant helping small scale companies build strong functional organizations while implementing strategic
planning, programming, and progressive execution of tasks and business processes. Harry's 34 year government career included
serving as Technical Advisor and Program Manager on several Missile Defense Agency's Advanced Laser and Sensor projects after
serving a wide range of roles and responsibilities on the Airborne Laser Program, cradle to grave, from 1995 to 2012 gaining
valuable experience on laser weapon systems. Harry earned a Master's Degree in Project Management from Penn State Erie, the
Behrend College in 2006 and earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico - Robert O.
Anderson School of Management in 1999.
Course 7. Directed Energy Bio-Effects CANCELED
Classification: Unclassified, Distribution Limitation D
Instructors:
- Gordon Hengst, 711 HPW/RHDR
- Jeff Whitmore, TBA
Duration: Half-day course, runs 800-1200
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course will present and discuss the effects of optical and radio frequency energy
upon biological systems. With the proliferation of directed energy (DE) sources in the military environment there
is increasing need for understanding DE bioeffects to protecting our troops from incidental or intentional exposure.
We will present the mechanisms through which biology may be affected by DE and the power levels required to produce
effects. This information will be set within a safety, legal, and policy context to illuminate the challenges faced
by DE systems as they navigate the acquisition environment. Topics include:
- Why is the Department of Defense Interested in Directed Energy Bioeffects?
- Laser Bioeffects
- Applications and Considerations
- Modeling Hazards and Assessing Effectiveness
- Mechanisms of Damage for tissues
- Eye Vs. Skin
- Long Exposures
- Moderate Length Exposures
- Short Pulse Exposures
- Special Considerations
- Laser Summary
- RF Bioeffects
- Damage Mechanisms and Modeling
- Dosimetry
- RF Case Studies
Intended Audience: This course is intended for anyone interested in the biological effects of laser and radio
frequency energy. Rigorous scientific directed energy bioeffects information will be presented in a context of safety,
legal, and systems development
Instructor Biobraphies: Will be available here soon.
| Course Fees |
|
| |
Single Half-Day
|
Two Half-Day
|
| Full-time students |
$0
|
$0
|
| Others |
$300
|
$550
|
Registration
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Last updated: 9 July 2019
