Laser threat discrimination based on volume holographic memory

Abstract

Volume holographic memory offers a compact means of information storage through angle and wavelength multiplexing in three dimensions. As laser warning systems often use both angle-of-arrival and wavelength information in order to identify and/or discriminate among laser threats, volume holographic memory structures are ideally suited for consideration as laser warning receiver sensors. Holographic imaging in volume phase media is examined from the perspective of coupled wave diffraction theory for thick sinusoidal grating structures. Thermally fixed, phase-written volume holograms are discussed and a novel direction of arrival sensor element is proposed for laser warning receiver applications.