Optics and Laser Radar
Advanced Technology for Critical Applications
Trex Enterprises has created state-of-the-art sensors relating to homeland security, national defense and commercial markets. Trex has applied its decades of research and development to create a variety of sensors, which include such capabilities as, the world’s first multi-target laser radar system, security imaging devices, adaptive optics, hazard avoidance systems, and large megapixel camera systems. Furthermore, Trex continues to excel in the development of sensor systems for various customers.
Trex Enterprises is also actively engaged in the development and refinement of advanced celestial navigation technologies. These systems utilize the positioning of celestial bodies to provide highly accurate navigation capabilities, offering significant advantages in scenarios where traditional navigation methods may be limited or unavailable.
We are committed to advancing the state-of-the-art in celestial navigation, continually pushing the boundaries of accuracy and performance. Our research and development efforts are aimed at delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Optics and Laser Radar
Adaptive Optics
Trex Enterprises is a leader in adaptive optics and has demonstrated numerous successful missions for the U.S. government since the early 1980’s. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Trex built three generations of segmented adaptive optics for short wavelength directed energy applications. Our work included deployment of the first and only adaptive optic with a 512 segmented mirror array. Beginning in the 90s, we developed novel applications of adaptive optics in a wide array of programs. Today, we support the U.S. Navy/U.S. Air Forces’ Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) Telescope. The telescope is located atop Mount Haleakala on Maui. The AEOS project is part of the Maui Space Surveillance Site (MSSS).
Adaptive optics systems rapidly change the shape of primary reflecting mirrors to adjust for distortions of light that prevent the presentation of clear images. In astronomy, for example, adaptive optics systems compensate for distortions of stellar images caused by atmospheric turbulence.
Our success has led to the spin-out of two venture-funded companies applying adaptive optics based technology to commercial markets:
- Vision assessment and improvement, Ophthonix, Inc.
- Photonic fiber optic switching, CrossFiber, Inc.
Daytime Stellar Imager
Daytime Stellar Imager
Trex Enterprises’ is developing a multi-aperture stellar tracker able to detect stars during daylight. Trex has developed proprietary automated star pattern recognition algorithms. Working with the U.S. Navy, Trex has demonstrated the effectiveness of this imager. The objective of this technology is to create an alternative navigating system for U.S. Navy surface ships and aircrafts independent of global positioning
systems (GPS).
- Precision azimuth reference independent of INS, for precision pointing at sea and on battlefield
- Trex Enterprises developed the automated star detection and pattern recognition algorithm
- Trex Enterprises’ automated processing algorithm detects 6.3 magnitude star at daytime at sea level
Large Aperture Tracking
Large Aperture Radar
Trex Enterprises’ large aperture programs are based on Trex’s patented Rapid Optical Beam Steering (ROBS) technology. This cutting-edge technology combines sensitive target detection capabilities and rapid repositioning. We have successfully demonstrated this technology at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) and are presently at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai.
ROBS Technology
ROBS technology is based on a compact optical design and provides several capabilities including:
- Monitoring high-speed, multiple-target missile tests
- A highly-agile beam director for transportable high energy lasers
- A wide optical field-of-view
- Precision pointing and tracking (track/image missiles, aircraft, and rockets)
ROBS has been utilized in over 15 missions at White Sands Missile Range and presently being used at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii for Navy and MDA ballistic intercept tests
3DATA Technology
Three-Dimensional Acquisition and Tracking Assembly (3DATA) technology is based on the ROBS design. We thus enabled the first in the world demonstration of multiple object tracking with significant optical resolution. 3DATA capabilities include:
- Capability to track 20 airborne targets simultaneously
- Tracks and images–missiles, aircraft, and rockets
- Dozen of missions at White Sands Missile Range Provides broad area coverage and high resolution for multiple-object tracking and imagery
ROBS
3DATA
Small Aperture Tracking
To meet various anti-terrorism and force protection needs of the government, Trex Enterprises is developing several small aperture optical systems based on a rapidly steerable small lightweight mirror which allows for searching large areas while tracking with high accuracy.
Rapid Target Acquisition and Tracking System (RTATS)
The RTATS system was designed to handle multiple rocket, mortar, and artillery targets plus provide three dimensional tracking data to return fire weapons systems.
Potential Applications
- Soldier protection system
- Wide-angle surveillance from elevated/airborne platforms
Tripod Mounted RTATS System for
Field Measurement
Fast InfraRed Sniper Tracker (FIRST)
The FIRST was developed in response to a need to detect snipers. Our proprietary technology has demonstrated its ability to track a variety of small arms fire.
Features
- Bullet detected in flight, no muzzle flash signature required
- Minimize false alarm using MTI feature
- Fast detection (~200 msec) over wide field-of-regard
- Bullet detection and tracking at ranges of up to 1 km
- Back projection to precise shooter location
At first of movie we are observing a 50 caliber bullet at left of screen. The FIRST system then begins to track the bullet at center of frame. The bullet is then bore-sighted with a laser range finder. At that time the bullet is illuminated with the laser to generate 3-d tracking.
Multi-functional antennas and systems
Trex Enterprises is a leader in satellite imaging and has successfully performed in this field for more than two decades. Among our projects underway is the Satellite Active Imaging National Testbed (SAINT) program. Our SAINT system is a Trex-designed unit, which images low earth orbit satellites using Fourier Telescopy. Among the many initiatives within Trex’s SAINT Program is the ability for space situational awareness and to reconstruct images from several simulated targets plus measure image quality.
Multi-functional antennas and systems
Trex Enterprises is developing porous silicon biosensor technology specializing in monitoring protein interactions.
Its success has led to the spin-out of Silicon Kinetics, Inc., (SKI), a Trex Enterprises subsidiary that is now commercializing the technology.
The first generation product will measure kinetic binding interactions of proteins with other proteins.
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