Status of the development of the miniaturized digital high-angular-resolution laser irradiation detectors (HARLID) technology

Miniaturized digital HARLID modules integrating linear silicon and indium gallium arsenide arrays have been developed by the Defence Research Establishment Valcartier in collaboration with EG&G Optoelectronics Canada. These modules are designed to locate a laser source within +/- 1 degree(s) over a 90 degree(s) field of view either in azimuth or elevation. The principle of operation of these modules is based on the use of a Gray code mask to encode the angle of arrival of a laser beam. The performance of the 1-band HARLID has been recently investigated by the Laser Sensor Technology Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton OH. The performance of a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) integrating two 1-band modules has been successfully demonstrated in the laboratory and in the field. More recently the performance of this LWR has been evaluated at White Sands NM in desert conditions. Two-band HARLID modules have been recently fabricated by EG&G that makes use of a sandwich of Si and InGaAs detector arrays. The use of this configuration extends the spectral band from 400 to 1700 nm. Their E-O performance has been measured in the laboratory. The integration of HARLID modules with other sensors and through a Defensive Aids Suite is underway. Future plans of HARLID development have been established to enhance their E-O performance.