Short Courses
These short courses were offered on 24 September 2018 in conjunction with the 2018 Directed Energy Systems Symposium
in Portsmouth, Virginia. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are awarded for completion of the
short courses but not the workshop.
All courses are taught at the Unclassified, Limited Distribution D level: participation
is restricted to U.S. citizens who are employees of the U.S. Department of Defense or its contractors.
Course 1. Systems Engineering for Directed Energy Systems
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructor: Bill Decker, Defense Acquisition University
Duration: Half-day course, runs 0800-1200
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course is designed to provide a better understanding of the DoD Systems Engineering Process and align DE programs to it, to increase their likelihood of fielding to the Warfighter. At the end of the
course, attendees will be better able to direct their programs such that they are consistent with the DoD SE processes
and can integrate smoothly with existing and future DoD weapons systems. The course will cover the DoD Systems
Engineering Process throughout the Lifecycle.
Topics include:
- SE and Requirements/User Interaction
- Systems Architecture and its application to DE Systems
- Systems Engineering in the Technology Demonstration Phase
- Government Role (S&T and Acquisition Staffs)
- Contractor Role
- For Systems and Sub-systems
- SE at the Preliminary Design Review/Milestone B
- SE at the Critical Design Review
- Testing and SE
- Sustainment and SE
Intended Audience: This course should assist engineers and program managers who desire an overview of DE systems engineering. An engineering degree is optimal but not required.
Instructor Biography: Mr. Decker served twenty years in the US Army, including assignments as a Physics Instructor at the US Military Academy and as Research and Development Coordinator at the Army's Night Vision and Electro-Optics
Laboratory. Since his retirement, he has held management positions at ITT Night Vision, the University of Texas Applied Research Laboratory and at L-3 Brashear. He recently retired as the Director, Technology Transition Center of Excellence at the Defense Acquisition University, where he also taught engineering and science and technology management courses. Mr. Decker is a graduate of Cornell University and the Naval Postgraduate School.
Course 2. High Power Fiber Lasers
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructor: Ben Eshel, AFIT
Duration: Half-day course, runs 0800-1200
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: Fiber laser technology has the potential to make a significant
impact in various industrial and defense applications, from machining and additive
manufacturing to LIDAR, remote sensing and high energy laser weapons systems. This
emerging laser technology offers many intrinsic advantages over traditional DPSSL, as
highlighted by widespread publications in the research community. The development of
high-power fiber lasers continues to demonstrate an impressive array of power scaling
results, both CW and pulsed and at wavelengths from 1um to the eye-safe 1.55?m and
2?m and even at mid-IR wavelengths. Obvious advantages associated with the
technology are high wall-plug efficiency leading to reduced electrical power
requirements and easier system cooling, but also robustness, good beam quality and
highly flexible system performance leading to an overall low SWAP-C2.
The topics to be covered include: an explanation of the basic fiber parameters, doubleclad
fiber designs and covering such concepts such as large mode area fibers,
modal/beam quality, PM fibers etc.; rare earth doping and spectroscopy of Yb-1 ?m, Er-
1.55 ?m, Ho- and Tm-2 ?m, as well as some potential mid-IR dopants ; component
specifications and availability (couplers, isolators, seed laser diodes, etc.); limitations to
scaling fiber devices: non-linear phenomena (SRS, SBS, TMI), damage thresholds, etc.;
design rules and concepts for pulsed fiber lasers and amplifier chains from the nano to
picosecond regimes. This course will also provide an overview of recent results in the
literature to include novel fiber designs and current state-of-the art for peak output
power and mode quality.
This tutorial will cover the major aspects of designing and building a fiber laser, from the
fiber itself through the various state of the art fiber components and discuss the system
parameter space that best makes use of the intrinsic advantages of the technology.
This course will enable you to:
- Understand the advantages fiber laser technology compared to other laser sources as well as its current limitations.
- Identify the relevant architectures, components and fibers involved in designing a fiber laser and the steps involved in building a system
- Have an overview of the recent advances in fiber laser technology and an understanding of what the future technology roadmap looks like
Intended Audience: The tutorial is designed for researchers interested in investigating this
application area but without the detailed knowledge of fibers and fiber based devices. Higher level managers and system designers/integrators will also be interested in the broad comparisons made between the fiber laser technology and current lasers and how this can impact future system designs.
Instructor Biography: Dr. Eshel is a recent Ph.D. graduate from the Air Force Institute of Technology where his study focused on developing next generation gas lasers. He has facilitated and guided the research of several M.S. students and was the primary researcher on a multi-million dollar multi-university research initiative grant provided by the Directed Energy Joint Transition Office. His main research focus has been in laser diagnostics of low energy density rare gas plasmas for the development of a novel high-energy laser and has recently demonstrated the technology necessary for the production of an atmospheric pressure, spatially homogeneous, and large volume rare gas plasma. Dr. Eshel holds a B.A. from Cornell University in physics and an M.S. and Ph.D. from AFIT in applied physics with a focus on lasers, optics and spectroscopy.
Dr. Eshel recently organized and hosted the first High Power Fiber Lasers Educational Workshop at AFIT which brought together 70 members of government, academia and industry to educate the workforce at WPAFB in the technology and scaling limitations of high power fiber lasers. He will soon transition to a new job as a materials research scientist supporting the Air Force Research Labs Materials and Manufacturing Directorate in the development of high power fiber lasers with the intent of helping the community solve the most pressing problems preventing the scaling and deployment of high power fiber laser systems.
Course 3. An Intuitive Introduction to the Physics of HEL
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructor: Dave Kiel, NSWC Dahlgren
Duration: Half-day course, runs 0800-1200
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: High Power Laser (HEL) weapons show promise to greatly
improve the US military's ability to fight, offering speed of light engagement, deep magazines, and ability to
"dial-an-effect". This half day short course will cover the language used and basic physics of the technology of
DE weapons by approaching the topics with intuitive explanations and minimal use of complex mathematics.
Topics to be covered include:
- The basic nature of light and RF radio waves
- HEL lethality analysis
- HEL Propagation in a real atmosphere and its effect on weaponization
- Lasers, how they work, and laser weaponization issues
- A HEL example to tie it all together
Intended Audience: The course is designed for people new to the field who need to quickly develop an
understanding of the key topics in order to be successful technical managers of DE projects. It should help
them speak the language, enable them to ask the hard questions, and accurately translate expectations between
the non-technical warfighter, the acquisition community, and the scientists and engineers doing the work.
However, anyone who is new to the field and just wants an insightful look at the technology of DE weapons
will also benefit. Those with a technical background will gain the most from the course content, but since
many of the principles are explained with basic concepts, non-technical majors should achieve significant insight as well.
Instructor Biography: Capt. (USN Ret) David Kiel entered the Navy in 1982 and served on various ships as a
Surface Warfare Officer. After his initial sea tours, he attended the Naval Post Graduate School and received his M.S.
in Physics specializing in Optics and Laser Physics. After graduation he transferred out of the Surface Warfare community
and became an Engineering Duty Officer specializing in weapons development and acquisition. Subsequently he served at
the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division doing research in High Power Microwaves, managed Electronic Warfare
development programs in PEO IWS, and was the Program Manager for the Surface Navy Directed Energy and Electric Weapons
program office where he is led the efforts of the Surface Navy to develop and possibly field a High Energy Laser and
Rail Gun in the Navy. Currently he is the Head of the Directed Energy Warfare Office at the Naval Surface Warfare Center,
Dahlgren VA.
Course 4. Warfighter 101
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructors:
- Dan A. Isbell, USAF, Retired
- Robert M. Newton, USAF, Retired
Duration: Half-day course, runs 0800-1200
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course provides a general overview of directed energy
weapons, including high energy laser (HEL) and high power microwave (HPM) systems. The
emphasis is on the operationally distinguishing characteristics of systems nearing
deployment. A special feature of the course is the availability of system
simulators for use by the students. The simulators are being provided by AEgis Technologies
Group and by Schafer Corporation. Topics to be covered include:
- Overview of HEL Systems
- Overview of HPM Systems
- HEL Simulation
- HPM Simulation
Intended Audience: This course is intended for students without a technical
background as an introduction to the operational characteristics of HEL and HPM systems.
Instructor Biographies: Dan brings a broad range of expertise and experience to the defense and technology industry with his 27 years of service in the US Air Force. His insight comes from an educational background that includes a Master's degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, a Master's degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. During his Air Force career he also completed flight school, test pilot school, Senior Acquisition Manager's course, Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the professional military service schools.
Dan's formal education and training founded his broad experience in aircraft and weapons airworthiness certification and program management, business development and integration, technology and engineering, fighter aircraft and special operations. His positions include Chief, F-16 Systems Program Office, Commander of 514th Flight Test Squadron, Operations Research Systems Analyst for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Program Analysis & Evaluation, Air Vehicle Program Manager for F/A-22 Systems Program Office, Chief of Weapon System Sector and Technology Integration Lead for Battlefield Air Operations Kit National Team.
Bob is an advanced systems developer with nearly 20-year DE experience. Currently he leads a defense technology company in applying his over 35-years of US Air Force and commercial industry experience. Beginning with a technical education in Aerospace Engineering from The Ohio State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, his mission perspective comes from F-16 fighter and special operations. He is an acquisition professional and test pilot with over 4500 hours in over 60 types of aircraft. His specific acquisition related responsibilities involved F-16 performance / flying qualities / avionics / sensors / weapons flight test and airworthiness certification, F-22 program management, Air Force Material Command headquarters, Pentagon Air Staff, and industry. He has commanded flying units and is a veteran of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.
Course 5. Modeling and Simulation Verification, Validation and Accreditation
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructor: Pat Cannon, AEgis
Day/Time: Half-day course, runs 0800-1200
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This practical Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) course addresses many of the questions that arise when M&S is used in critical applications. Attendees will gain the knowledge necessary to ensure your M&S data are accurate. The goal of this course is to prepare you to make an informed and independent judgment about the credibility of models and simulations being used in the program or project of interest to you. You'll also gain a working knowledge of the activities required to certify a simulation as credible for a specific application. Other important subject matter includes the following:
- The M&S VV&A process and its relationship to various M&S applications
- Fundamentals and techniques for performing M&S VV&A and guidance to help the attendee determine which techniques are most useful for certain application types
- The accreditation process and the work that must be accomplished to reach a sound decision about the suitability of M&S for particular applications
- Planning for and implementing the accreditation process and how to integrate V&V into the process
- Validation planning and reporting
The course consists of presentations on VV&A fundamentals and real-world examples followed by discussions led by an experienced VV&A practitioner, encouraging communications between the student and the instructor. Participants will receive individual guidance relating to their particular areas of interest.
Intended Audience: Users and developers of Models and Simulations, decision makers, program managers, and technical staff members of a program that utilize M&S support, and anyone whose career will be enhanced by understanding M&S credibility or the VV&A process in general.
Instructor Biography:In his capacity as Vice President, Western Operations, Mr. Cannon is charged with overseeing all AEgis activities in the Western United States. The Region's focus is on Directed Energy, Test and Evaluation, Missile Defense, Space, and Simulation-enhanced Training with customers in New Mexico, Colorado, Alabama, Florida, and DC. He is Past President of the Roadrunner Chapter of the International Test and Evaluation Association as former member of the Association's Board. Mr. Cannon has been Co-Chair of the Directed Energy Test and Evaluation Conference jointly sponsored by ITEA and the Directed Energy Professional Society for the past 15 years and has held leadership positions in the Military Operations Research Society and the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization. His 39 years of experience include over 25 years of the application of M&S to analysis, T&E, and weapon system development.
Course 6. Intellectual Property Considerations (CANCELLED)
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructors: Bill Decker, Defense Acquisition University
Duration: Half-day course, runs 1300-1700
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: The Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act (WSARA) and the Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDRE) implementation directive have placed requirements on technology developers, systems engineers and program managers. To implement this law and follow the guidance provided, intellectual property rights must be considered from the initial development of the technology to the support of the technology throughout its lifecycle. This short course will review and discuss the planning and management for intellectual property required for successful program execution. This tutorial will be presented in an interactive mode, with student participation to ensure that the applications most relevant to the students will be addressed.
Topics include:
- What WSARA says about competition and intellectual property
- The types of intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, etc.)
- The types of intellectual property rights that can be negotiated (unlimited, government purpose, limited, etc.)
- The differences between "technical data" and "data rights"
- The needs of the government for intellectual property rights. This will include discussions of how intellectual property must be carefully planned and managed in order to comply with the letter and intent of WSARA and the DDRE implementation directive.
- What is appropriate for the owner of the intellectual property
- When do we need to consider intellectual property throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
Intended Audience: This course should assist engineers and program managers who desire an overview of intellectual property issues of a DE program. There are no formal education requirements.
Instructor Biography: Mr. Decker served twenty years in the US Army, including assignments as a Physics Instructor at the US Military Academy and as Research and Development Coordinator at the Army's Night Vision and Electro-Optics
Laboratory. Since his retirement, he has held management positions at ITT Night Vision, the University of Texas Applied Research Laboratory and at L-3 Brashear. He recently retired as the Director, Technology Transition Center of Excellence at the Defense Acquisition University, where he also taught engineering and science and technology management courses. Mr. Decker is a graduate of Cornell University and the Naval Postgraduate School.
Course 7. Aero Optics
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructor: Don Wittich, AFRL/RD
Duration:Half-day course, runs 1300-1700
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course will present the student with physics underlying aero-optic aberrations, including: the difference between aero-optics and atmospheric optics, shear and boundary layer aberrations and more specifically aero-optically rich flow around turret-like bodies. The student will be exposed to the characteristics of facilities and sensors used to measure aero-optics, especially: wind tunnels, flight-test platforms and wavefront sensors. Methods to reduce measured data, specifically wavefront data, will be covered. Effective passive and active flow control methods will be covered, as will adaptive optics and some if its bounding issues. Aspects of various modeling and CFD simulations will be presented. The student will learn how aero-optic aberrations are formed, how to model them, measure
them and post process data to understand them computationally.
Topics to be covered include:
- Physics of Aero-optics
- Facilities and Instrumentation
- Wavefront Data Reduction
- Flow Control for Aero-Optics
- Adaptive Optics
- Modeling and CFD simulations
Intended Audience: This course is suited for graduate students and technical end-users
with some experience or knowledge of basic principles of optics, advanced mathematics and popular commercial codes such as Matlab.
Instructor Biography: Donald (D.J.) Wittich is the Principal Investigator for Aero-Effects and Beam Control research at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Dr. Wittich joined AFRL in 2009 after completing his PhD studies in aerospace engineering at the University of Notre Dame. He also holds a B.S. in aeronautical engineering from the US Air Force Academy and has over 13 years of experience in aero-optics research and development.
Course 8. Directed Energy Design of Tests
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructors:
- Robert Newton, USAF, Retired
- Dan A. Isbell, USAF, Retired
Duration:Half-day course, runs 1300-1700
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description:Test & Evaluation (T&E) of Directed Energy (DE) Systems is nothing new; however, the purpose of testing is changing. DE's many decades of research focused testing is now transitioning to support programs of record that lead to fielded DE weapons systems. This course is designed as an entry level short course where the instructors will briefly review the T&E processes and highlight applicable DoD guidance. Since Directed Energy (DE) is a technology very different from the kinetic weapons that form the basis of DoD written guidance, the instructors will apply the core T&E principles to DE weapon system development. This will include familiarization about methodologies along with unique test range resources that are required for DE weapons T&E.
There are differences in DE T&E phases. For instance, laboratory Research and Development (R&D) T&E has a science and engineering focus. In contrast, DE T&E for defense acquisition of fieldable DE weapons for warfighters has a more combat operational focus. The course will highlight the distinct differences between these types of DE T&E to include the spectrum of R&D T&E, Developmental T&E (DT&E) and Operational T&E (OT&E).
The phases of DT&E and OT&E for DE weapon systems are the types of testing that lead to fielding a DE weapon system after it has been proven to meet technical system performance requirements, military utility, and operational suitability requirements. These combat-relevant areas of T&E also include Logistics T&E (LT&E), which are focused on validated reliability, maintainability, sustainability and other specific logistics requirements that help to determine DE weapon system mission availability in a realistic combat environment.
The course will emphasize the need to consider integrated mission-level T&E for DE weapons, since the cost (in time and resources) is very high if done in a sequential DT&E followed by OT&E, followed by LT&E (as was historically done for other types of systems). Live fire testing of DE weapon systems is costly, and the resources are precious and few in terms of full-scale DE weapon systems test ranges and instrumentation. Careful design of test principles can result in much more effective and efficient DE weapons T&E by integrating all the elements of DT&E, OT&E, and LT&E to the maximum extent possible.
Intended Audience:To understand the material in this course, the attendee should have already completed DE 101, or have prior familiarization with DE weapon systems.
Instructor Biographies: Bob is an advanced systems developer with nearly 20-year DE experience. Currently he leads a defense technology company in applying his over 35-years of US Air Force and commercial industry experience. Beginning with a technical education in Aerospace Engineering from The Ohio State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, his mission perspective comes from F-16 fighter and special operations. He is an acquisition professional and test pilot with over 4500 hours in over 60 types of aircraft. His specific acquisition related responsibilities involved F-16 performance / flying qualities / avionics / sensors / weapons flight test and airworthiness certification, F-22 program management, Air Force Material Command headquarters, Pentagon Air Staff, and industry. He has commanded flying units and is a veteran of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.
Dan brings a broad range of expertise and experience to the defense and technology industry with his 27 years of service in the US Air Force. His insight comes from an educational background that includes a Master's degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, a Master's degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. During his Air Force career he also completed flight school, test pilot school, Senior Acquisition Manager's course, Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the professional military service schools.
Dan's formal education and training founded his broad experience in aircraft and weapons airworthiness certification and program management, business development and integration, technology and engineering, fighter aircraft and special operations. His positions include Chief, F-16 Systems Program Office, Commander of 514th Flight Test Squadron, Operations Research Systems Analyst for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Program Analysis & Evaluation, Air Vehicle Program Manager for F/A-22 Systems Program Office, Chief of Weapon System Sector and Technology Integration Lead for Battlefield Air Operations Kit National Team.
Course 9. Directed Energy Bio-Effects
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructors:
- Benjamin Rockwell, AFRL
- Noel Montgomery, AFRL
- Jason Payne, AFRL
Duration: Half-day course, runs 1300-1700
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:
Dr. Benjamin A. Rockwell is a Principal Research Physicist in the Optical Radiation Branch,
Bioeffects Division, Airman Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. Dr. Rockwell serves as the Advanced Laser
Bioeffects team leader, guiding a team to develop recommendations to change the national and international laser safety
standards based on solid scientific investigation of hazards. He is a Fellow of SPIE, the Laser Institute of America,
and the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Dr. Noel D. Montgomery is a Senior Research Electrical Engineer in the Radio Frequency Bioeffects Branch of the
711 Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory. He has 29 years experience in characterization of radiation
hazards and bioeffects to include Radio Frequency, optical, and ionizing radiation effects on humans and the environment.
Dr. Montgomery has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Texas
Health Science Center at San Antonio, a Master of Science Degree in Health Physics from Texas A&M University, and a
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Portland, Oregon. Dr. Montgomery is a diplomate of the
American Board of Health Physics.
Jason Payne is a Research Biomedical Engineer in the Radio Frequency Bioeffects Branch of the 711 Human Performance Wing,
Air Force Research Laboratory (711 HPW/RHDR). Within the Air Force Research Laboratory, he has spent the past 12 years
researching the biological effects of Radio Frequency (RF) energy on humans. Mr. Payne is the Modeling and Simulation team
leader for RHDR, and works with a group of engineers and scientists to develop simulation tools to model the absorbed RF
dose from Directed Energy systems, along with the resulting thermal response within tissue and the accompanying biological
effects. Mr. Payne has a MS degree in Electical Engineering from Texas A&M University a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical
Engineering also from Texas A&M University.
Course 10. Introduction to Counter Directed Energy
(CANCELLED)
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructor: TBD
Duration:Half-day course, runs 1300-1700
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the field of counter-DEW; specifically this course
will discuss the basic scientific aspects of protecting systems from DEW and review technologies available to counter
the effects of DEW on various types of systems. Future research directions in counter-DEW technology will also be discussed.
This course is intended to be an introduction to the subject and is intended to provide the attendee with a basic understanding
of the technologies, issues and solutions surrounding efforts to counter directed energy weapon systems. At the end of the course
you should have an understanding of (1) the basic operation & effects of directed energy weapons, (2) material hardening approaches,
(3) atmospheric propagation effects & use in countering DEW, (4) operational techniques for counter-DEW, and (5) research directions
for counter-DEW. Topics include:
- Review of DEW
- Sensor Hardening
- Propagation Effects
- Operational Techniques
- Directions in C-DEW
Intended Audience: This course is intended for for engineers, scientists, system analysts, program managers, and military
planners. Familiarity with basic optics and physics, such as that found in a two semester university
level introductory physics course is beneficial.
Instructor Biography: TBD
Course 11. Infrared Countermeasures
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution D
Instructor: F. Kenneth Hopkins, AFRL/RXAP and AFIT/ENG
Duration:Half-day course, runs 1300-1700
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description:
The threat to all aircraft posed by infrared seeking missiles has been significant. For example, "The Basic Stinger received worldwide attention during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, when Russian fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters were destroyed by Mujahideen guerrillas [Jane's Land-Based Air Defense, posted 24 Feb 2006]." The DoD has conducted research for many years to develop countermeasures against these Man-Portable infrared threats (MANPADS.) The infrared (IR) threat to aircraft continues to evolve, and future countermeasures will likely require improvements to laser sources and other system components. In this course, the students will be led through a review of the history, the physics, and the engineering of infrared countermeasure (IRCM) systems. In addition, the evolving infrared threat will be described, and the infrared detection system utilized in these tactical systems will be analyzed. From this basis, various approaches to future countermeasures will be discussed and compared. The purpose of the short course is to deliver a cursory survey of the subject for laser researchers to provide a broader understanding of an important 'application driver' for their work.
Topics to be covered:
- The associated history of the IR threat and IRCM
- The physics of IRCM system and component design
- The evolving threat
- Tactical imaging systems and commentary on potential countermeasure approaches
- Component and system development efforts in the US and internationally
Attendance is limited to US DoD employees and U.S. DoD contractors only, and all information to be presented is unclassified.
Intended Audience: The purpose of the short course is to provide a cursory survey of the subject for laser researchers and their managers to provide a broader understanding of an important 'application driver' for their work. Attendance is limited to government employees and government contractors.
Instructor Biography: F. Kenneth Hopkins earned MS degrees in both electrical engineering and physics and a PhD degree in electrical engineering, all from the University of Cincinnati, and he completed Air War College. His professional career comprises several years of university teaching, experience in industry including as a principal in the start-up of a public technology company, and greater than 31 years of federal service in the Air Force Research Laboratory and association with the Air Force Institute of Technology. Ken's focus has been on materials and devices for laser sources, infrared detectors, and integrated photonics, primarily working to serve the needs of the infrared countermeasure (IRCM) community. His past efforts were instrumental to enabling laser sources for IRCM as exemplified by his successful work in the development and transition of zinc germanium diphosphide, among other materials. The efforts also led to various awards including the Federal Laboratory Consortium Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and the Technical Leadership Award from the Affiliate Societies Council of Dayton, Ohio. Ken is a Fellow of SPIE, a Senior Member of IEEE, and a member of the Assoc. of Old Crows. He has published more than 140 papers in various journals and conference proceedings, and he holds three patents.
| Course Fees |
|
| |
Single Half-Day
|
Two Half-Day
|
| Full-time students |
$0
|
$0
|
| Others |
$250
|
$450
|
Registration
To register for a short course separate from the 2018 Systems Symposium, select one of the following options.
If you plan to also register for the Systems Symposium, you may use the Systems
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Persons requesting cancellation through 27 August will receive a full refund. Cancellations after
27 August are subject to a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after 21 September.
Last updated: 17 October 2018
