Simulation of hot spot tracking loops

The feasibility of an employment of high-energy laser tactical systems based on a utilization of hot spot tracking techniques is being considered. According to the principles of operation of such a system, high-energy laser radiation is beamed toward the target. The radiation energy absorbed in the target produces a 'hot spot', which can be observed with a mosaic staring sensor. A rather involved analysis is required for obtaining an understanding of the performance of such systems. This investigation is concerned with a simulation code for hot spot tracking which integrated the basic physical phenomena into a time simulation of the control loops. The code is to be employed for an analysis of problems, such as hot spot drift and turbulence effects, which cannot be adequately studied with conventional servo analysis tools based on linear theory.