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Most laser projectors for LADAR systems are limited to small scan angles as they utilize acousto-optic devices, spatial light modulators, or fine-steering mirrors for beam steering. Additionally, the projected beam is usually circular and Gaussian. In order to improve the functionality of such systems, MEMS-based mirrors and diffractive optics may be used. This paper describes Digital Optics Corporation's work in developing and demonstrating a novel LADAR scanning system that incorporates a MEMS scanning mirror coupled with diffractive optical elements in a compact breadboard system. The MedCam MEMS mirror has been demonstrated with a 2D scan mode across large scan angles. The MEMS mirror system is experimentally compared to a Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulator based system. The diffractive elements generate spot arrays or other patterns that are more conductive to target detection schemes that an ordinary gaussian beam shape.

Silicon v-groove structures have been utilized for passive positioning of optical fiber for fiber optic and opto- electronic applications. In this paper, we will present our results of using micro-machined silicon v-groove arrays to passively align optical fiber arrays to micro rod optics. We will also demonstrate the integration of N fiber arrays bonded into the silicon v-groove with a 1xN micro lens array, which is composed of a 2 inch-phase level diffractive optics. For the assembly of 1x6 fiber array and lens array with 16 phase level diffractive optics, the experimental results indicated that total insertion loss per link is typically 1.5-2.0 dB/channel.