Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted (STORM)
Micro-Laser Rangefinder (MLRF)
Lasers
Laser devices have been developed by NVESD that emit coherent monochromatic electro-magnetic radiation in the visible, near infrared and short, mid and long wavelength infrared. Lasers are used for range finding to targets, target designation for seekers, laser radar, illumination of targets, detection of chemical/biological clouds and jammers for electro-optical sensors, such as those used in missile seekers.
The laser rangefinder is a vital component of high precision targeting engagements for the individual Soldier.
The next generation laser rangefinder must be a smaller, lighter, low cost version, which is easily weapon mountable and readily integrated with other systems.
Current laser research is directed toward new laser materials, laser diode arrays for efficient pumping of solid state lasers, devices for converting emitted laser wavelength to other wavelengths, multi-functional lasers, eyesafe lasers and innovative laser source configurations.
The most expensive subsystem of a solid-state laser rangefinder is the laser transmitter. We have addressed this issue by developing a novel laser resonator, called the “monoblock” laser.
Very precisely cut and coated crystals make up the laser resonator, reducing the number of components and enabling laser oscillation with the simplest of alignment concepts. The 1.54 μm laser cavity consists of only four rectangular shaped crystals.
The eye-safe, micro laser rangefinder is a significant improvement over its predecessor in that it is six times lighter, ten times smaller, and appreciably cheaper. Designed for dismounted and mounted applications, the range designation capabilities are one third more than the Mini-Eyesafe Laser Infrared Observation Set (MELIOS) resulting in cost-effective targeting for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) and handheld systems, alike.
