Safety Assembly

Abstract

A safety assembly for use with a laser directed energy weapon is disclosed. The assembly includes a control system including a light detector and a processing unit, and an optical device configured for attachment to a target and, when attached, for providing a light beam to the light detector. The processing unit is configured to compare the received light beam with one or more predetermined attributes and to allow the laser directed energy weapon to fire only if the received light beam is determined to have the one or more attributes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety assembly for use, for example, in the testing of laser directed energy weapons. The present invention also relates to a safety system for a laser directed energy weapon and a method for preventing the firing of a laser directed energy weapon.

Background Art

[0002] During the testing period or operator training period of a laser directed energy weapon, it is important to confine the high energy laser radiation emitted by the weapon to a precisely defined area in order to prevent unwanted ablation or other damage. It is also important to minimize the time period from when the laser directed energy weapon is switched off until the switch-off occurs in order to prevent damage effects that occur after the switch-off is initiated. In other words, the switch-off time of the weapon should be as fast as possible.

[0003] For static targets, there are several known techniques for confining the laser beam of a laser directed energy weapon to a clearly defined area, including using a physically restrained pointing system (e.g., a gimbal system end stop), placing a large backstop behind the target, or using a letterbox aperture to constrain the beam path. These methods are generally not suitable for moving targets, and are particularly unsuitable for moving targets fired from a moving platform due to the uncertainty (i.e., tolerance) introduced by the relative movement between the target and the platform.

[0004] There is a need for improved means for confining the laser beam of a laser directed energy weapon to a clearly defined area or, alternatively, for verifying the pointing direction with high precision.

[0005] Conventional switch-off methods require a large buffer area between the permitted launch area and any no-launch zone (due to a combination of a long switch-off period and a high tracking system slew rate). For moving platforms, an additional buffer angle is required to accommodate the maximum movement of that platform. For example, in maritime systems, the roll and pitch of a ship depend on the ocean conditions, which makes beam control at elevation angles, as well as avoiding incidental assets such as aircraft and satellites, extremely difficult, especially during weapons training.

[0006] The requirement for a large buffer area makes many scenarios impossible, rendering the system unsuitable for testing or training purposes rather than representing real-world use cases.

[0007] Therefore, there is also a need for improved means of switching off laser-directed energy weapons.

[0008] In summary, there is a need for a new safety system or method of use for laser-directed energy weapons that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings and / or provides high integrity verification and control of pointing, as well as improved safety during the test and training operational period. [Overview of the project]

[0009] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a safety assembly is provided for use with a laser-directed energy weapon, the safety assembly comprising a control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit, and an optical device configured to be mounted on a target and, when mounted, to provide a light beam to the photodetector, wherein the processing unit is configured to compare the received light beam with one or more predetermined attributes and to allow the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the received light beam has one or more attributes.

[0010] One or more attributes may include a modulated signal, for example, a frequency-modulated signal. One or more attributes may include the reception of a light beam of a particular color. In this example, a color filter may be used so that only light of a particular color can reach the photodetector. In such a case, one or more attributes may substantially be the reception of a light beam. One or more attributes may include a light pattern, or any other characteristics of the light signal that can distinguish the received light beam.

[0011] Compared to prior art safety systems, this safety beacon allows the firing area to be defined with great precision through high-level confirmation of pointing integrity, thus reducing the risk of bodily injury or other harm during training and / or testing activities. The safety assembly triggers a shutdown when there is no determination of the expected attributes, which may include the complete absence of the light beam, or the loss of the light beam (after an earlier positive determination), and / or a mismatch between the detected signal and the expected signal. Therefore, the safety assembly adapts to scenarios where pointing is not confirmed, and scenarios where pointing is confirmed and then lost.

[0012] Unlike prior art safety systems, this safety beacon is suitable for use with combinations of moving platforms and moving targets, in addition to static platforms and targets.

[0013] The processing unit may be configured to prevent the laser-directed energy weapon from firing if no light beam is received. Such a safety assembly has a default firing prohibition position and requires positive confirmation of authorization to fire, thus improving safety during use.

[0014] The optical device may be configured to continuously supply a light beam to the photodetector. Such a safety assembly could enable continuous, near-instantaneous feedback from the target to confirm the target's position in real time relative to a laser-directed energy weapon, further improving firing accuracy and preventing shut-off delays.

[0015] Optical devices may include a light source. The light source may provide higher spatial resolution compared to a sound source or other sources, and therefore, improved accuracy.

[0016] The optical device may include a retroreflector, and the control system may include a light source. When mounted on a target, the optical device provides the reflected light beam to a photodetector. In such a safety assembly, the active components may be juxtaposed in one easily accessible location.

[0017] The light source can be a laser diode. Laser diodes are particularly well-suited for providing optical feedback over distances of several kilometers (up to several hundred kilometers), which are typically used in training and / or testing activities.

[0018] A laser diode may be configured to emit a frequency-modulated light beam. The frequency-modulated light beam may be modulated using a known reference signal. Alternatively, any other modulation scheme may be used, as long as it is known to the control system.

[0019] The processing unit may be configured to demodulate the light beam received by the photodetector. Such a configuration can facilitate comparison between the received signal and the expected signal. Alternatively, signal processing may be undertaken by an external unit.

[0020] Laser diodes can be configured to emit light at modulation frequencies above 100 Hz, for example, above 1000 Hz. Such modulation frequencies can counteract the effects of turbulence (the effect of thermal vortices on refractive index) and improve the reliability of safety assemblies.

[0021] A laser diode can be configured so that, when in use, the emitted light has a different wavelength from the main laser equipped in a laser-directed energy weapon. Such a feature can ensure the integrity of the measurement and avoid interference.

[0022] Optical devices can be configured to provide a wide-angle light beam. A wide-angle light beam may have a broad cone shape defined, for example, by a divergence angle greater than 45 degrees, more preferably greater than 60 degrees. The broad cone shape can be provided, for example, by a single laser diode and a diverging lens, or through multiple laser diodes oriented in different directions. A wide-angle light beam advantageously maximizes the opportunity for feedback signals from a target detected by a control system, and therefore improves the opportunity for accurate decision-making (improves usefulness).

[0023] The control system may include one or more dichroic mirrors. Advantageously, dichroic mirrors can allow the passage of only light of a specific wavelength and reflect other light. Such a configuration may serve to provide a safety assembly aimed at the barrel axis together with a pointing system. Alternatively, dichroic mirrors may not be present in the control system if alternative optical components are provided or if dichroic mirrors form part of an established pointing system for laser-directed energy weapons.

[0024] The processing unit may be configured to output a PERMIT signal if it is determined that the received light beam has one or more attributes, and not to output a PERMIT signal if such a determination is lacking. The PERMIT signal may be output (directly or indirectly) to the high-energy laser of a laser-directed energy weapon. In such a safety assembly, the lack of a positive determination may indicate a loss of pointing, or a complete failure to establish pointing. Such a feature may improve safety and reliability, since the default position is fire-do-not. Alternatively, the signal processing and output of the PERMIT signal may be undertaken together with an external control unit.

[0025] The processing unit may be configured to output an INHIBIT signal if such a decision is lacking. The INHIBIT signal may be output to the high-energy laser of a laser-directed energy weapon. Alternatively, the signal processing and output of the INHIBIT signal may be undertaken in conjunction with an external control unit.

[0026] The control system may further include an aperture positioned relative to the photodetector to narrow the field of view of the photodetector. The aperture size may be set during manufacturing and installation. Alternatively, the aperture size may be adjustable by the operator during use to change the field of view.

[0027] The safety assembly may be configured to be mounted on a laser-directed energy weapon such that, when installed, the field of view of the photodetector aligns with the boresight of the laser-directed energy weapon. Such a joint boresight minimizes the required deformation, allows for the reuse of existing components, and thus reduces overall weight and complexity.

[0028] The safety assembly may include a radio frequency emitter associated with a control system and a radio frequency receiver associated with an optical device. The radio frequency emitter and receiver are configured to emit and receive specific frequency signals, respectively, during use. If the reception of the specific frequency signal is lacking, the light source is disabled.

[0029] Such a feature can provide a high-integrity switching system so that a laser-directed energy weapon can be prevented from firing even during accurate pointing verification. Therefore, safety can be improved, or the system can become more versatile.

[0030] The safety assembly may further include a target.

[0031] In a second aspect of the present invention, an optical device for use as an optical device in the safety assembly of the first aspect is provided.

[0032] In a third aspect of the present invention, a control system for use as a control system in the safety assembly of the first aspect is provided.

[0033] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a safety system for a laser-directed energy weapon is provided, comprising a laser-directed energy weapon and the safety assembly of the first aspect.

[0034] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a safety system for a laser-directed energy weapon is provided, comprising a main laser configured to fire towards a target, a control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit, an optical device configured to be attached to the target and provide an optical beam to the photodetector when attached, and a processing unit configured to compare the received optical beam with one or more predetermined attributes and allow the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only when it is determined that the received optical beam has one or more of the attributes.

[0035] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method for preventing the firing of a laser-directed energy weapon, comprising the steps of: attaching an optical device to a target; attaching a photodetector to the laser-directed energy weapon; providing a light beam from the optical device to the photodetector; comparing the light beam received by the photodetector with one or more attributes; and allowing the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the light beam has one or more attributes.

[0036] The step of allowing a laser-directed energy weapon to fire may include outputting a PERMIT signal from the processing unit. The PERMIT signal may be output (directly or indirectly) to a high-energy laser to allow the high-energy laser to fire.

[0037] It will naturally be recognized that features described in reference to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, a method of the present invention may incorporate any of the features described in reference to an apparatus of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0038] Two embodiments of the present invention will be described here, for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the attached schematic diagrams. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of a safety assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in its operational state, attached to a laser-directed energy weapon, and a target. [Figure 2] High-level schematic diagram of the control system for the safety assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the components of the safety assembly shown in Figure 1, integrated into the pointing system of a target and laser-directed energy weapon. [Figure 3a] Schematic diagram of the safety assembly processing unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing a buffer zone around an allowable firing arc according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of the field of view of a photodetector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of the switching system and target of the safety assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram of components of a safety assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, integrated into a pointing system for a target and laser-directed energy weapon. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] A safety assembly 1 (Figure 1) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is integrated with a laser-directed energy weapon 4. The safety assembly 1 is turned on via a manually operated switch (not shown) when it is necessary to test or use the laser-directed energy weapon. Otherwise, in a combat scenario, the safety assembly 1 is turned off, and the laser-directed energy weapon 4 operates normally as if the safety assembly 1 were not present.

[0041] The safety assembly 1 comprises an optical device 2 and a control system 3. The control system 3 includes an optical component 11 and a processing unit 15. The optical device 2 is mounted on a target 5. During use during training or testing, the target 5 is typically positioned several kilometers away from the laser-directed energy weapon 4, but may be used at distances of tens or hundreds of kilometers. The laser-directed energy weapon 4 has a standard structure including a tracking system (not shown) and a pointing system 21, and a fixture suitable for mounting on a platform (not shown), such as an aircraft or ship. The pointing system 21 includes a high-energy laser 18 that fires toward the target 5. In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, both the platform (not shown) and the target 5 are dynamic.

[0042] As described above, the safety assembly 1 includes a control system 3 and an optical device (Figure 2). In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the safety assembly 1 also includes a switching system 13. The optical device 2 is used to provide feedback to the control system 3 regarding the position of the target 5 so that the pointing direction can be verified prior to the firing of the high-energy laser 18.

[0043] The optical device 2 provides a light beam 29 to the control system 3, which is received by the optical component 11. A signal 37 is output from the optical component 11 to the processing unit 15. The processing unit 15 then processes the signal 37 and compares it with one or more predetermined attributes (in this exemplary embodiment, one or more predetermined attributes are known frequency-modulated signals), and based on the result of the comparison, outputs a PERMIT signal or INHIBIT signal 16 to the high-energy laser 18 to allow or prevent the high-energy laser 18 from emitting the high-energy laser beam 8. Thus, the high-energy laser 18 is allowed to emit only if the received signal matches a certain predetermined expectation value. The switching system 13 is used to indirectly control the high-energy laser 18 by providing the optical device 2 with a radio frequency signal 52, which enables or disables the optical device 2 depending on whether it is determined that the signal 52 has a certain expected frequency.

[0044] The optical component 11 is configured to align with the pointing system 21 (Figure 3). As is known in the art, the pointing system 21 includes a high-power laser 18 and a first dichroic mirror 19. The pointing system 21 emits a high-energy laser beam 8 toward the first dichroic mirror 19. The first dichroic mirror 19 is angled relative to the high-power laser 18 to reflect the high-energy laser beam 8 along the pointing system boresight 23. A pointing mirror 25 in the path of the high-energy laser beam 8 directs the high-energy laser beam 8 toward the target 5 via a lens 27. Finally, the high-energy laser beam 8 is emitted from the pointing system 21 toward the target 5.

[0045] In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the optical device 2 (Figure 3) is a laser diode mounted on a target 5 and configured to emit a laser beam 29. In training or test scenarios where such marking / deformation of the target would not be possible during combat, but additional safety measures are required, the target 5 can be set up prior to firing the high-energy laser 18.

[0046] The optical component 11 (Figure 3) within the control system 3 of the safety assembly 1 is positioned alongside the pointing system 21 and includes a photodetector 35, an aperture 33, and a second dichroic mirror 31. The field of view of the photodetector 35 is aligned with the barrel axis together with the pointing system 21.

[0047] The focusing lens 27 focuses the laser beam 29 emitted by the laser diode 2 onto the pointing mirror 25 of the pointing system 21. The laser beam 29 is reflected by the pointing mirror 25 along the pointing system boresite 23 in the direction of the first dichroic mirror 19. The laser beam 29 has a different wavelength from the high-energy laser beam 8 and is not reflected by the first dichroic mirror 19, but instead passes through the first dichroic mirror 19 toward the optical components 11 of the control system 3.

[0048] The laser beam 29 is then reflected by a second dichroic mirror 31 configured to reflect the laser beam 29 through an aperture 33 to a photodetector 35. The photodetector 35 then outputs a corresponding signal 37 to a processing unit 15 (not shown). In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the optical device 2 is a laser diode, but any suitable light source may be used.

[0049] In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, light emitted by the laser diode 2 is pulsed using a known reference signal 36 (i.e., the light is frequency-modulated). In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a single frequency is used, but in other embodiments, multiple frequency reference signals may be used.

[0050] The laser diode 2 is designed to have a wide divergence angle (about 90 degrees in this exemplary embodiment) to allow its output to be observed in a wide range of orientations relative to the photodetector 35. The wavelength output of the laser diode 2 is selected so as not to overlap with the wavelength band of the high-energy laser beam 8. The laser beam 29 is modulated at a frequency higher than, for example, 100 Hz to cancel out the effects of turbulence.

[0051] In the processing unit 15, the received signal 37 is demodulated in hardware and compared with a known reference signal 36 (Figure 3a). First, the received modulated signal 37 is input to the demodulator 40, which outputs the demodulated signal 38. Next, the demodulated signal 38 is input to the comparator 42, which compares the demodulated signal 38 with the reference signal 36. If it is determined that the demodulated signal 38 matches the known reference signal 36, a HI PERMIT signal 16 is output from the processing unit 15 to the high-energy laser 18, thereby allowing the high-energy laser 18 to fire toward the target 5. If no match is found, an LO INHIBIT signal 16 is output instead to the high-energy laser 18, thereby restricting the firing of the high-energy laser 18. The LO INHIBIT signal 16 is received almost instantaneously after no match is detected, and instructs the high-energy laser 18 to almost immediately stop emitting if pointing is lost.

[0052] As a result, the buffer zone 39 (Figure 4) required during training or test activity is significantly reduced compared to the safety systems of prior art laser-directed energy weapons that utilize a slower shutoff mechanism. The smaller buffer zone 39 adjacent to the no-fire zone 41 allows for a smaller firing arc (i.e., combining the permissible firing arc 43 with the buffer zone 39) using the safety assembly 1 of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, signal processing may be taken over remotely from the safety assembly 1, with the HI PERMIT and LO INHIBIT signals provided via an external control unit.

[0053] The front aperture 33 of the photodetector 35 provides a larger or smaller field of view 45 (Figure 5) as required by the operator. The aperture size can be adjustable during use or can be a preset aperture size determined during the manufacturing and assembly period. The field of view 45 of the photodetector is smaller (i.e., on the order of microradians) than the standard coarse 44 or fine 47 pointing field of view of the pointing system 21, which tend to be on the order of degrees or milliradians, respectively.

[0054] A switching system 13 (Figure 6) within the control system 3 provides an independent control means for preventing unintended emission. The switching system 13 includes a radio frequency emitter 51 configured to emit a signal 52 at a specific frequency, and a radio frequency receiver 53. The radio frequency emitter 51 is located adjacent to the control system 3. The radio frequency receiver 51 is located together with the optical device 2.

[0055] The radio frequency receiver 53 listens for a specific frequency signal 52. Only when the signal 52 is received is a switch (not shown) activated to turn on the laser diode 2. Thus, even when the pointing and tracking systems are "locked on" to the target 5, the high-energy laser 18 is prevented from firing, providing an additional level of security. The switching system 13 provides an independent and highly reliable on / off mechanism for the laser diode 2, which in turn controls the emission from the high-energy laser 18.

[0056] To activate the switching system 13, the radio frequency emitter 51 can be manually switched on via a push-button switch (not shown).

[0057] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the switching system 13 is omitted, but instead, the photodetector 35 is switched on or off by an operator.

[0058] In a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the optical device of the safety assembly 1a is a retroreflector 2a mounted on the target 5a instead of a light source (Figure 7). The light source, in the form of a laser diode 55a, is located together with the optical component 11a in the control system. Other components of the safety assembly are the same as in the first exemplary embodiment, and the same reference numerals represent the same parts. The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention does not include a switching system.

[0059] The laser diode 55a is positioned along the boresite 23a of the pointing system 21a so as to pass through the second dichroic mirror 31a and the first dichroic mirror 19a, respectively, before the laser beam 29a is reflected outward toward the target 5a by the pointing mirror 25a. The safety assembly 1a operates in a manner similar to the safety assembly 1 of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, except that the laser diode light beam 29a is generated within the control system and reflected from the target 5a before being detected by the photodetector 35a. The configuration of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention may offer the advantage of keeping all active components within the control system (mounted on a laser-directed energy weapon) for easier access. In the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a broad light beam is provided through a combination of a wide exit beam angle from the laser diode 55a and the reflective surface of the retroreflector 2a.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, safety assemblies 1, 1a continuously provide feedback in the pointing direction via optical devices 2, 2a mounted on targets 5, 5a. Thus, the pointing direction can always be confirmed with high accuracy, and even if the platform and / or one of the targets 5, 5a moves.

[0061] If the pointing direction cannot be confirmed, or if it is confirmed and then lost, the high-energy lasers 18, 18a are rapidly shut down. This provides a higher level of reliability in training and test scenarios, as well as higher overall safety, compared to safety systems of prior art laser-directed energy weapons. The safety assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention allows for controlled firing within a clearly defined area. In a further advantage over safety systems of prior art laser-directed energy weapons, conventional restraint devices such as endstops, backstops, and letterboxes are not required.

[0062] As previously described, the laser diodes 2, 55a attached to targets 5, 5a have a wide divergence angle and continuously supply the light beams 29, 29a to the optical components 11, 11a, providing positional feedback regardless of the respective positions of the platform and targets 5, 5a. Therefore, the safety assembly 1, 1a of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be adapted to both a moving platform and moving targets 5, 5a during training or testing periods. Thus, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention offers yet another advantage over the safety systems of prior art laser-directed energy weapons.

[0063] In addition to the safety systems of prior art laser-directed energy weapons, the removal of the PERMIT signal is almost instantaneous (leading to reduced tolerance), so the required buffer zone around the permissible launch arc is greatly reduced. Thus, the launch arc (consisting of the permissible launch arc and the buffer zone) can be made significantly smaller than possible using the safety systems of prior art laser-directed energy weapons, and multiple launch arcs can also be simulated.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the present invention is useful for many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. Certain possible variations will be described here, but only as examples.

[0065] For example, instead of a frequency-modulated reference signal, some other "key," such as light of a specific color or a light pattern, may be used. The "key" must be transmitted with high spatial resolution; that is, sound waves are unsuitable due to their branching.

[0066] Alternative light sources may be used instead of laser diodes. For example, light-emitting diodes may be suitable in certain applications. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [C1] A safety assembly for use with a laser-directed energy weapon, wherein the safety assembly is A control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit, An optical device configured to be attached to a target, and when attached, provides a light beam to the photodetector. Equipped with, A safety assembly in which the processing unit is configured to compare the received light beam with one or more predetermined attributes, and to allow the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the received light beam has the one or more attributes. [C2] The safety assembly according to C1, wherein the processing unit is configured to prevent the laser-directed energy weapon from firing if no light beam is received. [C3] The safety assembly according to C1 or 2, wherein the optical device is configured to continuously supply a light beam to the photodetector. [C4] The safety assembly according to any one of C1 to 3, wherein the optical device comprises a light source. [C5] The safety assembly according to any one of C1 to C3, wherein the optical device comprises a retroreflector, and the control system comprises a light source and is mounted on the target, the optical device provides the reflected light beam to the photodetector. [C6] The safety assembly according to any one of C3 to 5, wherein the light source is a laser diode configured to emit a frequency-modulated light beam. [C7] The safety assembly according to C6, wherein the processing unit is configured to demodulate the light beam received by the photodetector. [C8] The safety assembly according to C6 or 7, wherein the laser diode is configured to emit light at a modulation frequency greater than 100 Hz. [C9] The safety assembly according to any one of C6 to 8, wherein the laser diode is configured such that, when in use, the light emitted has a different wavelength from the wavelength of the main laser provided in the laser-directed energy weapon. [C10] The safety assembly according to any one of C1 to 9, wherein the optical device is configured to provide a wide-angle light beam. [C11] The safety assembly according to any one of C1 to 10, wherein the control system comprises one or more dichroic mirrors. [C12] The safety assembly according to any one of C1 to 11, wherein the processing unit is configured to output a PERMIT signal when it is determined that the received light beam has one or more of the attributes, and not to output a PERMIT signal when such determination is not possible. [C13] The safety assembly according to C12, wherein the processing unit is configured to output an INHIBIT signal if such a decision is not made. [C14] The safety assembly according to any one of C1 to 13, wherein the control system further comprises an aperture positioned relative to the photodetector to narrow the field of view of the photodetector. [C15] The safety assembly according to any one of C1 to C14, wherein the safety assembly is configured to be attached to a laser-directed energy weapon, and when attached, the field of view of the photodetector is aligned with the boresight of the laser-directed energy weapon. [C16] The safety assembly according to any one of C6 to 15, subject to C4, comprising a radio frequency emitter associated with the control system and a radio frequency receiver associated with the optical device, wherein the radio frequency emitter and the receiver are configured to emit and receive a specific frequency signal, respectively, when in use, and the light source is disabled if the reception of the specific frequency signal is not received. [C17] A safety assembly as described in any one of the C1 to C16, further comprising a target. [C18] An optical device for use as the optical device in a safety assembly as described in any one of the C1 to C17. [C19] A control system for use as the control system in a safety assembly as described in any one of C1 to C17. [C20] A safety system for a laser-directed energy weapon, comprising a laser-directed energy weapon and a safety assembly as described in any one of sections C1 to C17. [C21] A safety system for laser-directed energy weapons, A main laser configured to fire toward a target, A control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit, An optical device configured to be attached to the target, and when attached, to provide a light beam to the photodetector. Equipped with, A safety system for a laser-directed energy weapon, wherein the processing unit is configured to compare the received light beam with one or more predetermined attributes, and to allow the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the received light beam has the one or more attributes. [C22] A method for preventing the firing of a laser-directed energy weapon, The steps include attaching an optical device to the target, The steps include attaching a photodetector to the laser-directed energy weapon, The steps of providing a light beam from the optical device to the photodetector, The steps include comparing the light beam received by the photodetector with one or more attributes, The step of allowing the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the light beam has one or more of the attributes. Methods that include... [C23] The method of C22, wherein the step of allowing the laser-directed energy weapon to fire comprises the step of outputting a PERMIT signal from the processing unit.

Claims

1. A safety assembly for use with laser-directed energy weapons, wherein the safety assembly is A control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit, An optical device configured to be attached to a target, and which, when attached, provides a light beam to the photodetector, wherein the optical device is a light source and is configured to continuously provide the light beam to the photodetector, and Equipped with, A safety assembly comprising a processing unit configured to compare the received light beam with one or more predetermined attributes, and to allow the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the received light beam has one or more attributes, wherein the light beam and the laser light emitted by the laser-directed energy weapon share at least one optical component in the laser-directed energy weapon.

2. A safety assembly for use with a laser-directed energy weapon, wherein the safety assembly comprises: A control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit, An optical device configured to be attached to a target, and when attached, to provide a light beam to the photodetector, wherein the optical device is a retroreflector, and the control system comprises a light source, and the optical device continuously reflects the light beam to the photodetector only while the light beam is being supplied to the optical device from the photodetector side. Equipped with, A safety assembly comprising a processing unit configured to compare the received light beam with one or more predetermined attributes, and to allow the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the received light beam has one or more attributes, wherein the light beam and the laser light emitted by the laser-directed energy weapon share at least one optical component in the laser-directed energy weapon.

3. The safety assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit is configured to prevent the laser-directed energy weapon from firing if no light beam is received.

4. The safety assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source is a laser diode configured to emit a frequency-modulated light beam.

5. The safety assembly according to claim 4, wherein the processing unit is configured to demodulate the light beam received by the photodetector.

6. The safety assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the laser diode is configured to emit the light beam at a modulation frequency exceeding 100 Hz.

7. The safety assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the laser diode is configured such that, when in use, the emitted light beam has a wavelength different from the wavelength of the main laser provided in the laser-directed energy weapon.

8. The safety assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control system comprises one or more dichroic mirrors.

9. The safety assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the processing unit is configured to output a PERMIT signal when it is determined that the received light beam has one or more of the attributes, and not to output a PERMIT signal when such determination is not possible.

10. The safety assembly according to claim 9, wherein the processing unit is configured to output an INHIBIT signal when such a decision is lacking.

11. The safety assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control system further comprises an aperture positioned relative to the photodetector to narrow the field of view of the photodetector.

12. The safety assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control system is configured to be attached to a laser-directed energy weapon, and when attached, the field of view of the photodetector is aligned with the boresight of the laser-directed energy weapon.

13. The safety assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 12, as dependent on claim 1, comprising a radio frequency emitter associated with the control system and a radio frequency receiver associated with the optical device, wherein the radio frequency emitter and the radio frequency receiver are configured to emit and receive a specific frequency signal, respectively, when in use, and the light source is disabled if the reception of the specific frequency signal is not received.

14. The safety assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising the aforementioned target.

15. A control system for use as the control system in a safety assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A safety system for a laser-directed energy weapon, comprising a laser-directed energy weapon and a safety assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A safety system for laser-directed energy weapons, A main laser configured to fire toward a target, A control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit, An optical device configured to be attached to the target, and which, when attached, provides a light beam to the photodetector, wherein the optical device is a light source and is configured to continuously provide the light beam to the photodetector, and Equipped with, A safety system for a laser-directed energy weapon, wherein the processing unit is configured to compare the received light beam with one or more predetermined attributes, and only allows the laser-directed energy weapon to fire if it is determined that the received light beam has one or more attributes, and the light beam and the laser light emitted by the laser-directed energy weapon share at least one optical component in the laser-directed energy weapon.

18. A safety system for laser-directed energy weapons, A main laser configured to fire toward a target, A control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit, An optical device configured to be attached to the target, and when attached, to provide a light beam to the photodetector, wherein the optical device is a retroreflector, and the control system comprises a light source, and the optical device continuously reflects the light beam to the photodetector only while the light beam is being supplied to the optical device from the photodetector side. Equipped with, A safety system for a laser-directed energy weapon, wherein the processing unit is configured to compare the received light beam with one or more predetermined attributes, and only allows the laser-directed energy weapon to fire if it is determined that the received light beam has one or more attributes, and the light beam and the laser light emitted by the laser-directed energy weapon share at least one optical component in the laser-directed energy weapon.

19. A method for preventing the firing of laser-directed energy weapons, The steps include attaching an optical device to the target, The steps include attaching a photodetector to the laser-directed energy weapon, A step of providing a light beam from the optical device to the photodetector, wherein the optical device is a light source and is configured to continuously provide the light beam to the photodetector, The steps include comparing the light beam received by the photodetector with one or more attributes, The step of allowing the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the light beam has one or more of the aforementioned attributes. A method comprising the optical beam and the laser light emitted by the laser-directed energy weapon sharing at least one optical component in the laser-directed energy weapon.

20. A method for preventing the firing of laser-directed energy weapons, The steps include attaching an optical device to the target, The steps include attaching a photodetector to the laser-directed energy weapon, A step of providing a light beam from the optical device to the photodetector, wherein the optical device is a retroreflector, the control system comprises a light source, and the optical device continuously reflects the light beam to the photodetector only while the light beam is being provided to the optical device from the photodetector side; The steps include comparing the light beam received by the photodetector with one or more attributes, The step of allowing the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only if it is determined that the light beam has one or more of the aforementioned attributes. A method comprising the optical beam and the laser light emitted by the laser-directed energy weapon sharing at least one optical component in the laser-directed energy weapon.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the step of allowing the laser-directed energy weapon to fire comprises the step of outputting a PERMIT signal.

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