Covert Short-Wave Infrared Illuminator Core

Abstract

The Covert Short-Wave Infrared Illuminator Core is an electro-optical device intended to allow stealthy illumination of a target (specifically for military applications) by operating at a wavelength far outside the visible light spectrum, where its illumination can only be detected with sensitive and expensive optical equipment. This paper describes the engineering process used to bring the illuminator core from inception to product, beginning with the idea set forth by the customer (Elbit Systems of America) and their technical requirements for it. The paper finishes with a description of results and suggestions for further modifications to the presented final design. Though many of the requirements laid out by the sponsor were met, the optical specifications of beam speckle, uniformity, and field of view, were not successfully achieved. Additionally, the maximum input power was exceeded. Because many of the possible methods of fixing these issues would have brought the project beyond its budget, modifications to the current design were proposed in the conclusion to fix these issues. Finally, given that the purpose of this project was to learn about the engineering process, the report is finished off with a lessons learned section in which the key takeaways from the project are summarized.