Lessons learned from benchless laser applied to laser vibration control

Design criteria and concepts for 'benchless' airborne high-energy-laser optics are discussed in a review of US Air Force efforts since about 1970. The original benchless-laser design (Lloyd et al., 1977 and 1979) uses one fixed and one actively controlled six-degree-of-freedom mirror, and the Vicon (vibration control) concept (Katz and Kalejs, 1983) incorporates beam-type rotational sensors, lateral-array type translational sensors, and ball-swivel cooling-system joints. The current laser-vibrational-control (Lavicon) program is characterized, considering recent improvements in sensors, actuators, structural design, and disturbance-minimization techniques. Development of a computer model based on a finite-element technique to obtain eigenvalues, modes, control errors, line-of-sight errors, and beam quality is urged.