Laser beam combining system

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of laser beam synthesis technology, and in particular to a laser beam synthesis system, comprising: a rotating platform, a laser directional emission system, and a control system; the rotating platform is used to adjust the direction of the laser directional emission system; the laser directional emission system includes a phased array radar, a laser guidance device, and at least one beam array device; the phased array radar is used to detect and track targets; the laser guidance device measures the target distance and speed through laser echoes; the beam array device deflects the beam of the beam array device toward the system's central axis to form a conical beam; the control system drives the rotating platform based on target position information, so that the laser guidance device is aligned with the target, controls the beam array device to align with the target, and strikes the target. The advantage of the present invention is that the laser array adopts a ring array structure composed of multiple fiber lasers. This ring arrangement achieves large-scale integration and improves the total output power by increasing the number of fiber lasers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of laser beam synthesis, and in particular to a laser beam synthesis system. Background Art

[0002] Laser beam combining systems have the advantages of high energy, fast response, and low cost, and have become a current research hotspot. According to the laser beam combining method, they can be divided into coherent combining, incoherent combining, and hybrid combining. Coherent combining is to superimpose multiple laser beams into a single high-energy density beam through phase synchronization technology. This solution has the characteristics of high energy concentration, but the phase control of multiple sub-beams is difficult and the system stability is poor. Incoherent combining is to directly superimpose the power of multiple laser beams. This solution has a simple structure but low energy concentration. Hybrid combining technology attempts to take into account the advantages of both. Although incoherent combining can increase the total power, the energy distribution is relatively dispersed, which makes it difficult to meet the needs of long-range precision strikes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a laser beam synthesis system, which adjusts the angle of the laser array through an angle adjustment mechanism so that the light beam of the beam array device is deflected toward the central axis of the system to form a conical beam, thereby increasing the effective length of the laser beam.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a technical solution as follows: a laser beam combining system comprising: a rotating platform, a laser directional emission system, and a control system; the rotating platform is configured to rotate along the X-axis and the Y-axis for adjusting the direction of the laser directional emission system; the laser directional emission system is disposed on the rotating platform and includes a phased array radar, a laser guidance device, and at least one beam array device; the phased array radar is used to detect and track targets and transmit target position information to the control system in real time; the laser guidance device measures the target distance and speed through laser echoes and provides feedback to the control system; the beam array device adopts a ring-shaped arrangement structure and has an angle adjustment function, thereby deflecting the beam of the beam array device toward the central axis of the laser beam combining system to form a conical beam; the control system drives the rotating platform based on target position information to align the laser guidance device with the target, and adjusts the tilt angle of the beam array device based on the target position information, distance, and speed to ensure that the beam array device aligns with and strikes the target; wherein any two of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other; the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the rotating platform, and both the X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel to the plane of the rotating platform.

[0005] Furthermore, the phased array radar is mounted on the outside of the laser guidance device, and the beam array device is mounted on the outside of the phased array radar.

[0006] Furthermore, each beam array device includes an annular fixing frame, an angle adjustment mechanism and at least one ring of laser arrays distributed in a ring shape; the annular fixing frame is mounted on the outside of the phased array radar; the annular fixing frame is provided with a mounting groove matching the laser array, and the laser array and the angle adjustment mechanism are both arranged in the mounting groove; the angle adjustment mechanism is located at one end of the laser array close to the rotating platform; the angle adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment ring, which matches the annular structure of the laser array and is used to adjust the angle of the laser array, so that the light beam of the beam array device is deflected toward the central axis of the laser beam synthesis system.

[0007] Furthermore, the angle adjustment mechanism includes multiple angle adjustment components, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the laser array and located at one end of the rotating platform; each angle adjustment component includes a loading platform, which is arc-shaped, and the loading platforms of multiple angle adjustment components together constitute an adjustment ring.

[0008] Furthermore, each angle adjustment assembly also includes a mounting seat, a first displacement mechanism and a second displacement mechanism; the stage is rotatably arranged on the mounting seat; the laser is connected to the stage, and the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism are respectively connected to the two ends of the stage, and synchronously control the rotation of the stage, so that the light beam of the beam array device is deflected toward the central axis of the system.

[0009] Furthermore, the number of angle adjustment components of each angle adjustment mechanism is 4 to 18.

[0010] Furthermore, the angle adjustment range of the angle adjustment component is 0°~20°.

[0011] Furthermore, the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism are respectively arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the stage; the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism respectively control the two ends of the stage to move toward each other, so that the stage is tilted, thereby changing the angle of the laser array.

[0012] Furthermore, the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism are respectively arranged on the lower surface of the stage, and the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism tilt the stage at different speeds, thereby changing the angle of the laser array.

[0013] The invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1) Placing the laser guidance device at the center of the laser beam combining system significantly shortens the system's response time. While achieving precise guidance, the rotating platform simultaneously adjusts the laser's directional firing angle. Tests have shown that this design reduces system response time by at least 50%.

[0015] 2) The laser array utilizes a ring array structure composed of multiple fiber lasers. This ring arrangement increases the number of fiber lasers, enabling large-scale integration and boosting total output power. The ring structure reduces the divergence of the composite beam, thereby increasing the effective transmission distance. This ring layout optimizes system space utilization and facilitates flexible adjustment of the number and arrangement of individual beams.

[0016] 3) The stages of the multiple angle adjustment components together form an adjustment ring, which matches the annular structure of the laser array and is used to adjust the angle of the laser array, thereby deflecting the beam of the beam array device toward the central axis of the system. The adjustment ring matches the annular structure of the laser array, ensuring that each laser in the laser array can be precisely deflected toward the central axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 2. It is a schematic structural diagram of a laser beam combining system for striking a target according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a laser beam combining system including a beam array device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a laser directional emission system including a beam array device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a laser beam combining system including two beam array devices provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a laser directional emission system including two beam array devices provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of an angle adjustment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of an angle adjustment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of an angle adjustment component for adjusting the angle of a laser array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The reference numerals include: 1. rotating platform; 2. laser directional emission system; 21. phased array radar; 22. laser guidance device; 23. beam array device; 231. laser array; 232. angle adjustment assembly; 2321. stage; 2322. mounting seat; 2323. first displacement mechanism; 2324. second displacement mechanism; 233. annular fixing frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second" and the like are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined as "first", "second" and the like may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0031] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 8As shown in FIG. , an embodiment of the present invention provides a laser beam combining system comprising a rotating platform 1, a laser directional emission system 2, and a control system. The rotating platform 1 is configured to rotate along the X-axis and the Y-axis for adjusting the direction of the laser directional emission system 2. It should be noted that the rotating platform 1 is a purchased component; as long as it can rotate along the X-axis and the Y-axis, it will not be described in detail here.

[0033] Among them, any two of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other; the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane where the rotating platform 1 is located, and the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the plane where the rotating platform 1 is located.

[0034] The laser directional emission system 2 includes a phased array radar 21, a laser guidance device 22, and at least one beam array device 23. The laser guidance device 22, phased array radar 21, and beam array device 23 are arranged in sequence from the inside out, that is, the phased array radar 21 is mounted on the outside of the laser guidance device 22, and the beam array device 23 is mounted on the outside of the phased array radar 21. The phased array radar 21, laser guidance device 22, and beam array device 23 are all connected to the rotating platform 1.

[0035] The laser guidance device 22 is located at the center of the laser beam combining system. This layout significantly reduces the system's response time. While achieving precise guidance, the rotating platform 1 simultaneously adjusts the pointing angle of the laser directional emission system 2. Tests have shown that this design reduces system response time by at least 50%.

[0036] The phased array radar 21 is used to detect and track targets, transmitting target location information to the control system in real time. The phased array radar 21 has an electronically adjustable field of view (FOR). Its instantaneous scanning range is ±10° in azimuth (horizontally) and ±10° in elevation (vertically), forming a 20° x 20° coverage area. The phased array radar 21 can detect and track multiple targets within this coverage area and transmit each target's location information to the control system.

[0037] It should be noted that the phased array radar 21 is essentially no different from the radar system in the prior art, and its structure and principle are similar, and it is mainly used to detect and track targets.

[0038] The laser guidance device 22 measures the target's distance and speed through laser echoes and provides feedback to the control system. The laser guidance device 22 comprises an infrared laser and an infrared detector. The infrared laser emits laser light, creating a spot mark on the target surface. The infrared detector detects the target's distance and speed by receiving the reflected laser signal.

[0039] It should be noted that the laser guidance device 22 is essentially no different from the laser guidance system in the prior art, and its structure and principle are similar, and it is mainly used to measure the target distance and speed.

[0040] The beam array device 23 is arranged in a ring and features angle adjustment, which deflects the beam from the device 23 toward the central axis of the laser beam combining system, forming a conical beam. The control system drives the rotating platform 1 based on target position information, aligning the laser guidance device 22 with the target. The control system also adjusts the tilt angle of the beam array device 23 based on the target's position, distance, and speed, ensuring alignment and impact.

[0041] The beam array device 23 includes an annular mounting frame 233, an angle adjustment mechanism, and at least one annular laser array 231. The annular mounting frame 233 is provided with a mounting slot compatible with the laser array 231, within which both the laser array 231 and the angle adjustment mechanism are located. The angle adjustment mechanism is located at the end of the laser array 231 closest to the rotating platform 1 and is connected to the rotating platform 1. The angle adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment ring that matches the annular structure of the laser array 231 and is used to adjust the angle of the laser array, thereby deflecting the beam of the beam array device toward the central axis of the system.

[0042] The annular fixing frame 233 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity to ensure good basic heat dissipation performance. To further improve the heat dissipation efficiency, a heat dissipation device, such as a radiator, fan, etc., can be integrated on the annular fixing frame 233.

[0043] Laser array 231 utilizes a ring array structure composed of multiple fiber lasers. This ring arrangement increases the number of fiber lasers, enabling large-scale integration and boosting total output power. The ring structure reduces the divergence angle of the composite beam, thereby increasing the effective transmission distance. This ring layout optimizes system space utilization and facilitates flexible adjustment of the number and arrangement of individual beams.

[0044] Specifically, the angle adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of angle adjustment components 232 , which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the laser array 231 , are located at one end of the rotating platform 1 , and are connected to the rotating platform 1 .

[0045] In this embodiment, each angle adjustment assembly 232 includes a stage 2321, a mounting seat 2322, a first displacement mechanism 2323, and a second displacement mechanism 2324. The mounting seat 2322 is connected to the rotating platform 1, and the stage 2321 can be rotatably set on the mounting seat 2322. The first displacement mechanism 2323 and the second displacement mechanism 2324 are respectively connected to the two ends of the stage 2321 and synchronously control the rotation of the stage 2321, thereby causing the light beam of the beam array device 23 to deflect toward the central axis of the system. The angle adjustment range of the angle adjustment assembly 232 is 0° to 20°. The stage 2321 is arc-shaped, and the stages 2321 of multiple angle adjustment assemblies 232 together form an adjustment ring, which ensures that each fiber laser in the laser array can be accurately deflected toward the central axis of the laser beam synthesis system.

[0046] The distance between the beam array device 23 and the geometric center of the laser beam combining system is R, and the rotation angle θ of the stage 2321 of the angle adjustment component 232 is arctanR / L.

[0047] The arrangement of the first displacement mechanism 2323 and the second displacement mechanism 2324 includes the following two embodiments:

[0048] Example 1

[0049] The first displacement mechanism 2323 and the second displacement mechanism 2324 are respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the stage 2321. The first displacement mechanism 2323 and the second displacement mechanism 2324 respectively control the two ends of the stage 2321 to move toward each other, tilting the stage 2321 and thereby changing the angle of the laser array 231.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] The first displacement mechanism 2323 and the second displacement mechanism 2324 are respectively disposed on the lower surface of the stage 2321 . The first displacement mechanism 2323 and the second displacement mechanism 2324 drive the stage 2321 at different speeds. The speed difference forms an inclination angle to tilt the stage 2321, thereby changing the angle of the laser array 231 .

[0052] It should be noted that the first displacement mechanism 2323 and the second displacement mechanism 2324 are essentially the same in structure and principle as conventional displacement mechanisms (e.g., cylinders, piezoelectric actuators, etc.), both of which achieve object displacement through linear drive. The specific implementation can be selected based on actual needs and will not be further described here.

[0053] In other embodiments, the angle adjustment assembly 232 can be directly implemented using purchased parts, such as the NPX200 precision displacement platform produced by Newport Corporation.

[0054] In one embodiment, the laser directional emission system 2 includes a beam array device 23. The beam array device 23 includes a ring-shaped laser array 231. The number of angle adjustment components 232 is 6 or 8. The specific number is determined by the ring diameter of the laser array 231.

[0055] In another embodiment, the laser directional emission system 2 includes two beam array devices 23 arranged sequentially from the inside out. Each beam array device 23 includes a ring of laser arrays 231. The number of angle adjustment components 232 in the inner ring of the beam array device 23 is 6 or 8, and the number of angle adjustment components 232 in the outer ring of the beam array device 23 is 8 or 16.

[0056] The number of the angle adjustment components 232 in the above two embodiments is not specifically limited and is determined according to the actual size of the annular diameter of the laser array 231 .

[0057] In other embodiments, the laser directional emission system 2 includes three or more beam array devices 23 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The beam array device 23 includes two or more ring-shaped laser arrays 231. A detailed description is omitted here.

[0058] The working process of the integrated vortex beam transmitter is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0059] Phased array radar 21 detects a target and transmits its location information to the control system. Based on the target's location information, the control system drives the rotating platform 1 to rotate, aligning the laser guidance device 22 with the target. Simultaneously, the laser guidance device 22 measures the target's range and speed using laser echoes and feeds this information back to the control system. Based on the target's position, range, and speed, the control system controls the linear movement of the angle adjustment assembly 232, thereby tilting the beam array assembly 23 to align it with the target. The control system then controls the beam array assembly 23 to fire a beam, striking the target.

[0060] The above specific embodiments do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may be made based on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A laser beam combining system, characterized in that: include: Rotating platform, laser directional launch system and control system; The rotating platform is configured to rotate along the X-axis and the Y-axis to adjust the direction of the laser directional emission system; The laser directional emission system is arranged on the rotating platform, and the laser directional emission system includes a phased array radar, a laser guidance device and at least one beam array device; The phased array radar is used to detect and track targets and transmit the target's position information to the control system in real time; The laser guidance device measures the target distance and speed through laser echoes and feeds back to the control system; The beam array device adopts a ring-shaped arrangement structure and has an angle adjustment function, so that the light beam of the beam array device is deflected toward the central axis of the laser beam combining system to form a conical light beam; The control system drives the rotating platform according to the target position information to align the laser guidance device with the target, and adjusts the tilt angle of the beam array device according to the target position information, distance and speed to ensure that the beam array device aligns with and strikes the target; Among them, any two of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other; the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane where the rotating platform is located, and the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the plane where the rotating platform is located.

2. The laser beam combining system according to claim 1, wherein: The phased array radar is mounted on the outside of the laser guidance device, and the beam array device is mounted on the outside of the phased array radar.

3. The laser beam combining system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the beam array devices includes an annular fixing frame, an angle adjustment mechanism, and at least one annularly distributed laser array; the annular fixing frame is sleeved on the outside of the phased array radar; the annular fixing frame is provided with a mounting groove matching the laser array, and the laser array and the angle adjustment mechanism are both arranged in the mounting groove; the angle adjustment mechanism is located at one end of the laser array close to the rotating platform; The angle adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment ring, which matches the annular structure of the laser array and is used to adjust the angle of the laser array, so that the light beam of the beam array device is deflected toward the central axis of the laser beam synthesis system.

4. The laser beam combining system according to claim 3, wherein: The angle adjustment mechanism includes multiple angle adjustment components, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the laser array and located at one end of the rotating platform; each angle adjustment component includes a stage, which is arc-shaped, and the stages of multiple angle adjustment components together constitute an adjustment ring.

5. The laser beam combining system according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the angle adjustment components further includes a mounting seat, a first displacement mechanism, and a second displacement mechanism; the stage is rotatably disposed on the mounting seat; the laser is connected to the stage, and the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism are respectively connected to the two ends of the stage, and synchronously control the rotation of the stage, so that the light beam of the beam array device is deflected toward the central axis of the system.

6. The laser beam combining system according to claim 4, wherein: The number of angle adjustment components of each angle adjustment mechanism is 4 to 18.

7. The laser beam combining system according to claim 4, wherein: The angle adjustment range of the angle adjustment component is 0°~20°.

8. The laser beam combining system according to claim 5, wherein: The first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism are respectively arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the object platform; the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism respectively control the two ends of the object platform to move toward each other, so that the object platform is tilted, thereby changing the angle of the laser array.

9. The laser beam combining system according to claim 5, wherein: The first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism are respectively arranged on the lower surface of the stage. The first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism tilt the stage at different speeds, thereby changing the angle of the laser array.

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