Precision length standard for coherent laser radar

Abstract

This disclosure presents a version of a coherent laser radar system that is immune to environmental effects on Mach-Zehnder-configured interferometers and reference length standards comprising such systems. The present disclosure also describes methods and materials which alleviate interferometer drift due to vapor absorption using a polyimide coated polarization maintaining fiber to reduce the change in the length of a reference arm.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 662,367 filed Mar. 17, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to Mach-Zehnder-configured interferometers and reference length standards in counter chirp FM laser radars. More specifically, methods and materials are described which alleviate interferometer drift due to vapor absorption observed for conventional fiber jacketing materials [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] There are a number of optical systems that can measure a distance to a target. Such systems typically utilize an open beam propagated through free space between the laser source and the target. However, when the target location is such that limited free space is available for beam propagation, such systems are of limited use. Thus, well known systems may be able to perform distance measurements, but the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] The present invention makes use of specially coated polarization maintaining (PM) fiber to reduce the change in the length of the reference arm. In the most preferred embodiment, the coating is polyimide. An example of polyimide coated fiber available commercially is to be found at http: / / fibercore.com / 05hb-hbp.php, “HB-P Polarization Maintaining Fiber.” As can be inferred from the contents of this link, until the present invention, polyimide coating has been used primarily for high temperature performance, e.g., to withstand medical sterilization and high curing temperatures. What is most novel in the current invention is to use polyimide and other acceptable coatings to provide dimensional, optical path length, and birefringence stability in addition to high temperature performance.

[0022] The coherent laser radar as it is currently envisaged requires a fiber optic reference arm interferometer in a Mach-Zehnder configuration as its reference length standard. This internal length standard is calibrated by using an external interferometer to determine the exact length differential between the two paths of the reference interferometer. In a related aspect, if this length difference varies with time there will be a corresponding scaling error in range measurements on the measurement path. In one embodiment, the present invention diminishes the length variation within the reference arm, allowing for long-term range accuracy without the need for frequent calibration.

[0023] The present invention is applicable to all non-contact precision distance measuring applications that incorporate a fiber optic length standard. The insensitivity of the polyimide coating to environmental conditions allows a system to operate for months in a changing environment and remain within specification without the need for a range calibration, effectively reducing the necessary system maintenance and extending the time between scheduled certification.

Problems solved by technology

Its disadvantages are that acrylates tend to have low temperature ratings (usually around 85° C although some are available that are rated as high as 200° C.) and it is a well known outgasser.

Investigation and analysis showed that length variations of the acrylate-coated fiber was at fault, and it was determined that vapor absorption and outgassing of the acrylate were the root causes of optical path length variations.

Initial attempts to limit the effect of acrylate proved ineffective, so it became necessary to test existing systems with alternate fiber coatings, specifically low melting point metal and polyimide.

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