DEPS Abstract

Guest >> Sign In

DIRECTED ENERGY PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY

Abstract: 24-Symp-178

UNCLASSIFIED, PUBLIC RELEASE

Susceptibility of EO/IR Sensors to High Powered Microwave (HPM) Systems

There has been significant research on the effects directed energy weapons (DEWs) on various types of targets. Traditionally, high energy lasers (HELs) have been used as a hard kill against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), rockets and mortars, and cruise missiles, among others. From a softer perspective, HELs have also been used as a means of dazzling optical ISR systems, preventing them from gathering clear imagery of their target. On the high powered microwave (HPM) side, HPMs are utilized to disable or destroy electronics – rendering the system inoperable. From a softer perspective side here, HPM may also fall into a type of electronic attack or electronic warfare. To date, however, there has been little to no study of the effects of high powered microwave systems on optical sensors. The possibility of using RF strike introduces another capability and option for warfighting for both hard and soft kills. Similarly, the ability to mitigate these effects should also be understood from a blue force perspective.

We have evaluated the susceptibility of a variety of EO/IR sensors to electromagnetic interference. The purposes of the effort are both to determine optimal waveform parameters for generating effects against an electrically small target while also informing related efforts to develop protection against relevant electromagnetic interference. For the purpose of examining and demonstrating the method, we have fired waveforms of varied parameters against these EO/IR sensors in a Gigahertz Transverse Electromagnetic (GTEM) cell, optimizing for lowest field strength required to consistently achieve an effect. To limit the scope of the evaluation, we focused on consistently achieving any type or level of observed effect, optimizing waveform parameters towards lowest incident field.

Future Work: We intend to build system level, multi-domain models of the target system for comparison to the physical GTEM testing in a related effort to develop a robust simulation capability for quickly, effectively, and efficiently determining optimal lethality of new targets, especially in a period of conflict during which targets rapidly evolve.

UNCLASSIFIED, PUBLIC RELEASE