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CSA Engineering provides innovative solutions to meet customers' needs in vibration, precision motion and noise control. Their systems approach to engineering development is backed by expertise in a range of technical specialties. In addition to its Mountain View, CA headquarters, CSA Engineering operates offices in Albuquerque, NM, and Lacey's Spring, Alabama.
The isolation system is a critical and enabling ABL component, in that it is absolutely necessary to stabilize and align the resonator optics of the ABL laser segment, the primary component of the system. These challenges of precise vibration control were overcome through the SBIR-sponsored development of an innovative system of frictionless, ultra-soft air springs combined with high-performance magnetic actuators. The result was precise, dynamic, six degree of freedom alignment control for the ABL resonator optics with dramatic reductions in transmitted vibration across a broad spectrum from lHz and above. In other words, extremely precise position control coupled with an ultra-soft ride for ABL optics, an unprecedented achievement in meeting such competing requirements. The isolation system that was developed solves the critical issue of providing multiple, extremely stable platforms for sensitive laser optics during all possible flight conditions while operating in the presence of large laser-induced vibration, acoustic, and shock disturbances.
Under an SBIR Phase II, an Airborne Suspension/Vibration Isolation System was designed, built and tested. The isolation system essentially flies a stable optical bench within the aircraft, allowing the transition of high-power laser technology from the laboratory to an operational weapon system that can operate in the "real-world" environment. Without this system the ABL might not be possible. One of the most complex isolation systems ever built, it successfully demon strated the advanced technology required to meet the stringent ABL requirement. The Optical Bench Isolation System (OBIS) flight system simultaneously meets the unprecedented requirements for rejecting the large unwanted vibrations affecting the system coupled with the competing requirements for extremely precise registration of multiple optical benches spaced more than 50 feet apart in the ABL aircraft. This successful SBIR Phase II project has transitioned to a $6M follow-on contract to build a ground demonstrator and the OBIS. The OBIS system will be a critical enabling component in future operational ABL and other directed energy systems.
Conor Johnson
CSA Engineering
2565 Leghorn Street
Mountain View, CA 94043-1613
Phone: (650) 210-9000
Website: http://www.csaengineering.com/
Email: cjohnson@csaengineering.com
