Laser beam steering system and method for use in a directional infrared countermeasures system

摘要

A laser beam steering module includes an optics assembly that directs a first portion of a laser beam through an output aperture and a second portion of through a sensing path. The optics assembly adjusts a position of the laser beam through the output aperture and sensing path responsive to position control signals. A sensor array in the sensing path receives the second portion of the laser beam and in response thereto generates electrical beam position signals indicating a position of laser beam through the output aperture. The electrical beam position signals have values that are a function of a temperature of the sensor array and are used in generating the position control signals to adjust the position of the laser beam as a function of the values of the electrical beam position signals. A thermal stabilization circuit stabilizes the temperature of the sensor array responsive to thermal control signals.