RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT APPROVAL REQUEST FOR A LASER DISPLAY FEASIBILITY STUDY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A003100020030-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 13, 2000
• Sequence Number: 30
• Publication Date: May 20, 1964
• Content Type: MF

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Research and Development
Project Approval Request
The project will come under the Technical Development Program of the
P&DS, NPIC, at a total estimated cost of It was originally
included in the NPIC's 1964 financial plan at the level under
the category "Special Techniques and Development Studies." Its internal
designation is Feasibility Study for Laser Scanning Display System.
II. Objectives
This project is a study to determine the most promising approach for
advancing the state-of-the-art in concepts and techniques for both direct
and indirect dynamic viewing of photographic aerial transparencies.
The primary objective is to effect comparative analyses of various
modulation techniques, scanning techniques, screens and light sources in
various combinations to determine the feasibility of improving the display
functions presently performed by CRT systems. A secondary objective is
to perform a comprehensive analysis of capabilities and limitations of
the elements of viewing systems to form a basis for guiding future efforts
in the area. of visual presentations. From results of this study, optimum
systems for both the present and future will be defined.
III. Background
For many years the photointerpreter ha.s been restricted to standard
methods of viewing films, such as direct viewing over flourescent illuminated
boxes and by rear projection on ground or opalescent screens. Direct view-
ing frequently lacks in total illumination, has no facility for masking out
extraneous light or for image attenuation or modulation. Rear projection
lacks sufficient illumination, suffers prohibitive loss of resolution and
provides no facility for image manipulation or modulation. Kinescope dis-
plays suffer prohibitive losses in resolution.
The magnitude of the viewing limitations cited above cannot be over-
rated, because the ability of the photointerpreter to read-out that which
is recorded on the film is highly dependent upon the quality of the view-
ing tools provided.
Great effort is being applied to indirect methods of viewing such as
the Kinescope. However, its severe limitation in resolution, excessive
bandwidth requirements and limited physical tube size make it imperative
to explore other concepts and principles for image display.
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The only other means known at present is optical scanning which
involves the optical formation of an extremely small light spot and
fa.cility for proper modulation, with a. suitable scan angle and scanning
rate. The scan angle must be sufficient to cover the viewing area..
The scan rate must be sufficient to paint an entire image, on a plain
(non-phosphor) viewing surface, within the persistence ability of the
human eye, or at a. slower rate on a, phosphor surface. with proper decay
characteristics to present a. continuous image.
It can be seen that the problem is formidable indeed with many
facets, each requiring considerable research. It seems that the first
essentia.l element is a white laser. Although not yet available its
realization is expected within the foreseeable future, probably as a.
combination of red, green and blue emissions from separate laser sources.
A second essential element is a. modulation device preferably with no
NwV mechanical moving parts. A third is a, scanning means, with scan rates
in excess of TV scan rates, also with no physically moving parts. The
fourth and last essential element is a. practical screen capable of imaging
the subject with no degradation.
It is expected that the proposed study will contribute significantly
to solutions of the problems stated above and will provide guidance related
to methods and concepts showing the most sigiificant potential.
The technical specifications were stated to the proposed contractor
in terms of study objectives directed towards improving concepts and
techniques for both direct and indirect dynamic viewing and analysis of
intelligence information on film. One major objective is to explore the
feasibility of optical scanning a.s a. means of overcoming the inherent
limitation of electron scanning in vacuum, such a.s its serious loss of
resolution and the degrading effects of light dispersion by phosphor
coatings. Some aims of the study are: (1) to reduce the bandwidth below
that required of high resolution Kinescope Systems; (2) to maximize the
presently available scan angle of the optical scanning system; (3) to
increase the scan rate of optical scanning systems to exceed that of the
Kinescope; (4) to analyze potential uses of lasers with emissions in
regions other than red; (5) to minimize image signal to noise ratio;
(6) study incoherent light sources as a, substitute for lasers and their
effect when projected on various types of screen materials.
25X1A This study contract will be placed with
on the basis of their proposal at
25X1A a, level of effort for a 9 month period.
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wa.s selected for
this study because of their conceptual originality and superior under-
standing of the requirements and problems involved. A further reason
for their selection is their current work in'solid state piezo electric
modulation crystals and bi-morph bender crystals for beam scanning.
These devices have been demonstrated and appear to hold great promise
for solution of the modulation and scanning problems.
VI. Coordination
The proposed program has been coordinated internally with DD/S&T
and externally with Air Force SPPL, Army GIMRADA and Industry. In addi-
tion, investigation throughout DOD components and Industry show that this
program does not duplicate any other study efforts capable of meeting
NPIC's requirements.
VII. Security
The program is to be negotiated on an SC-1 Secret basis.
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