An optical detection and laser emission combined device for multi-target search, aiming and laser energy convergence

Abstract

The application discloses an optical detection and laser emission combined device for multi-target search, aiming and laser energy convergence, which comprises a working frame, a detection assembly, n laser emission channels and a control system. The working frame is provided with upper and lower installation platforms with an included angle gamma; the detection assembly is installed at the center of the upper installation platform; the laser emission channels are distributed circumferentially on the working frame, each channel comprising a laser light source installed on the lower installation platform and an optical deflection element located downstream of an optical path and installed on the upper installation platform and capable of realizing rapid deflection of a light beam in horizontal and vertical directions. The control system communicates with the detection assembly and driving components of each laser emission channel, can independently and cooperatively control the deflection angles of the optical deflection elements based on target coordinate information obtained by the detection assembly, and finally makes n laser beams converge at a target position in a far field, so that multi-target search, aiming and laser energy convergence operations can be efficiently completed, and the device has the characteristics of compact structure and precise control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a combined device for optical detection and laser focusing, belonging to the field of optical detection technology. Background Technology

[0002] High-energy laser systems have broad application prospects in fields such as long-range detection, precision strikes, and space debris removal. The core effectiveness of such systems depends on two key capabilities: first, the ability to quickly detect and accurately track long-range, high-speed moving targets; and second, the ability to efficiently and accurately focus high-energy laser beams onto the target point and achieve continuous energy delivery.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream technical solutions for achieving laser beam aiming and focusing mainly rely on the following two approaches: 1. Aiming system based on integral mechanical steering Such systems directly drive the entire laser emitting device (including the heavy laser, optical platform, and supporting structure) to rotate in azimuth and pitch using precision servo mechanisms, thereby pointing the beam at the target. This approach has inherent technical limitations: Slow response speed and large inertia: Due to the large mass and inertia required for driving, the system cannot achieve rapid acceleration and braking, which severely limits the response speed of aiming and tracking, making it difficult to deal with multiple targets that appear suddenly or at high speed.

[0004] The contradiction between control precision and stability: To achieve precise pointing over long distances, extremely high mechanical structural rigidity and servo control precision are required, which often leads to further bulkiness of the system, contradicting the need for rapid response.

[0005] Low efficiency in single-target engagement: Its massive mechanical structure makes it impossible to quickly switch between targets in different directions in a short period of time, making it difficult to achieve continuous and rapid engagement of multiple targets.

[0006] 2. Laser focusing system based on traditional optical beam combining To increase the laser power applied to the target, multiple lasers are typically used for emission. Traditional focusing methods involve using optical elements such as dichroic mirrors and polarization combiners within the system to physically combine multiple laser beams into a single, more powerful beam, which is then directed towards the target through a common transmitting telescope or focusing system. This approach has the following significant drawbacks: The system is complex and costly: the beam combining optical path requires precise and complex optical components and assembly processes, which not only increases the size, weight and cost of the system, but also introduces additional optical energy loss and thermal management challenges.

[0007] Unable to achieve dynamic focusing: Fixed beam combining and focusing optical systems typically only perform optimally within a specific depth of focus. For targets at different distances, the system cannot adjust the beam convergence point rapidly in real time, resulting in a significant decrease in energy density and a substantial reduction in strike effectiveness.

[0008] Poor flexibility: Once the internal beam is combined, the multiple lasers are "bound" together, making it impossible to independently control each laser to point at a different target, thus losing the ability to deal with multiple threats simultaneously.

[0009] In summary, existing technologies struggle to simultaneously achieve wide-area rapid search, rapid switching and aiming across multiple targets, dynamic focusing on targets at different distances, and lightweight and low-cost system structures. In particular, achieving microsecond-level precise deflection of laser beams without moving bulky mechanical structures, and automatically converging multiple laser beams at target points at arbitrary distances without using complex beam-combining optical components, remain critical technical challenges in this field.

[0010] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical scanning device for performing full-area (overhead) scanning detection with higher real-time requirements, thereby overcoming the defects in the prior art.

[0012] An optical detection and laser emission combination device for multi-target search, aiming, and laser energy focusing includes: The work frame is configured to be driven to rotate in the horizontal and pitch directions; the work frame includes an upper mounting platform and a lower mounting platform set at a fixed angle γ, the value of which is between 30° and 60°. The detection component is installed in the central area of ​​the upper mounting platform and is configured to scan the airspace within its field of view to detect at least one target and acquire the target's coordinate information. There are n laser emission channels, which are circumferentially distributed and mounted on the worktable; each laser emission channel includes: Laser source, the laser source is installed on the lower mounting platform; An optical deflection element is located downstream of the laser source and mounted on an upper mounting platform, configured to rapidly deflect the incident beam in both horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously. The control system is communicatively connected to the detection components and the drive components of each laser emission channel. The control system is configured to independently and collaboratively control the deflection angle of the optical deflection element in each laser emission channel based on the target coordinate information obtained by the detection components, so that the n laser beams emitted from the n laser emission channels can be spatially converged at the far-field target position, where n is an integer greater than 1.

[0013] More preferably, the optical deflection element is a mirror with horizontal and vertical deflection functions; the laser emission channel also includes a dual-axis driver, which is configured to simultaneously adjust the horizontal and vertical deflection angles of the mirror, and the dual-axis driver makes the maximum deflection angle of the output beam ±2α, where the value of α ranges from 0.5° to 5°.

[0014] More preferably, the included angle γ is fixed at 45°.

[0015] More preferably, the detection component is an active + passive optical detection system, including at least one of an active optical rangefinder and a laser scanning radar, and at least one of a passive infrared imaging device and a passive visible light band imaging device.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the active optical detection system also includes an electromagnetic wave detection system, which is a phased array radar.

[0017] More preferably, the rotation of the workpiece is driven by an azimuth macro actuator and a pitch macro actuator, and the deflection of the optical deflection element is driven by a micro actuator; the micro actuator has a higher angular velocity response capability than the azimuth macro actuator and the pitch macro actuator.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the control system employs a coarse-fine composite tracking strategy: the azimuth macro-motion driver and the pitch macro-motion driver drive the work frame for coarse tracking, so that the target enters and remains within the field of view of the detection component; the micro-motion driver drives the optical deflection element for fine aiming.

[0019] Further preferably, the laser wavelength emitted by each laser emission channel is the same.

[0020] Further preferred, each laser emission channel emits a different laser wavelength.

[0021] Furthermore, the control system is further configured as follows: Receive coordinate information of at least two targets; Control the laser beams from each laser emission channel to converge on the first target; Without moving the work stand, by rapidly changing the angle of the optical deflection elements in each channel, all beams are controlled to turn from the first target position and reconverge to the second target position; Alternatively, the beams from some laser emission channels can be focused on the first target, while the beams from the other laser emission channels can be focused on the second target. Without moving the work stand, by rapidly changing the angle of the optical deflection elements in each channel, all beams can be controlled to turn and converge between the first target position and the second target position, or to turn and converge to the third target position.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to: for targets at different distances, calculate and set different combinations of deflection angles of the optical deflection elements of each laser emission channel, so that all beams can be dynamically focused at the distance of the target.

[0023] A multi-target laser strike method based on any of the combined devices mentioned above includes the following steps: S100: Drives the work frame to bring the target into the field of view of the detection component; S200: Scans the target area using a detection component to identify and obtain the precise spatial coordinates of at least two targets; S300: Based on the coordinates of the first target, calculate and control the optical deflection elements of all laser emission channels to operate synchronously, so that all or part of the laser beams converge on the first target; S400: After completing the preset irradiation of the first target, according to the coordinates of the second target, quickly adjust the angle of the optical deflection elements of all laser emission channels so that all or part of the laser beams turn and converge on the second target.

[0024] More preferably, in steps S300 and S400, for each target, the control system independently calculates a unique set of target angles for each laser emission channel based on the distance to the target, so as to achieve precise spatial matching of the beam at the target.

[0025] Technical advantages: High-speed target detection: The working frame drives the detection unit to align with the approximate location of the target, and the detection unit itself completes the rapid detection of the target with precise positioning within the field of view. At this time, there is no need to deflect the heavy and bulky frame, thus achieving high speed and high precision in target detection.

[0026] High-speed laser control: Laser control is achieved by using two small and lightweight wedge-shaped lenses and wedge-shaped reflectors for deflection and reflection, without having to deflect the entire frame to aim the laser, thus achieving high-speed laser control.

[0027] High laser power: Multiple laser beams are aimed at the target through different deflection angles and converged at the target to achieve high-power laser focusing.

[0028] No converging lens required: Multiple laser beams are converged at the target location using a deflector, eliminating the need for an optical lens to converge the laser, thus reducing design and manufacturing costs and lightening the weight of the device.

[0029] Achieving dynamic laser focusing: For targets at different distances, the direction of each beam is controlled separately, so that all beams converge at the same point on the target, thus achieving dynamic laser focusing.

[0030] It can quickly switch between different wavelengths of laser to adapt to different weather conditions and sudden changes in the environment.

[0031] The high speed of target detection and the high speed of laser focusing make it suitable for simultaneous detection of multiple targets and high-speed laser irradiation of multiple targets. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1a : Overall assembly diagram of the device; showing the spatial relationship between the upper / lower mounting platforms, detection components, laser emission channels, and azimuth / elevation drive structures; Figures 1b-1c A schematic diagram of the circumferential distribution of the laser emission channels; showing the uniform arrangement of the eight channels along the mounting platform. Figure 2 : Schematic diagram of the scanning area of ​​the dual-axis reflector; when the reflector is deflected by an angle α, the scanning range of the output beam is 2(α+α), realizing fast scanning in a small area; Figures 3a-3b : Schematic diagram of multi-target switching; Figure 3a This represents the beam convergence state for a single target (target 1). Figure 3b To switch the beam to the converging state of target 2 without moving the work stand and only adjusting the angle of the reflector; Figures 4a-4b Schematic diagram of electromagnetic wave radar target detection. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Combination Figures 1a to 1c The optical detection and laser emission combination device in this embodiment specifically includes the following components: The work frame serves as the main support structure of the device and is configured to rotate in the horizontal (azimuth) and pitch directions via azimuth macro actuators and pitch macro actuators.

[0036] The work frame includes an upper mounting platform and a lower mounting platform, which are spatially positioned at a fixed angle γ=45° (γ can be selected from 30° to 60°, and is preferably 45° in this embodiment); the upper mounting platform is used to support the detection components and optical deflection elements, and the lower mounting platform is used to support the laser source.

[0037] The detection component is installed in the central area of ​​the upper mounting platform and is an active + passive composite detection system. Active detection components include laser scanning radar (for target ranging) and phased array radar (for wide field of view and multi-target localization). Passive detection section: includes an infrared imaging device (to identify targets in low light) and a visible light imaging device (to achieve high-resolution target imaging).

[0038] The function of the detection component is to scan the airspace within its field of view, identify the target, and output the target's precise three-dimensional spatial coordinates.

[0039] In this embodiment, eight laser emission channels are configured, and each channel is evenly distributed along the circumference of the mounting platform (e.g., ...). Figures 1b-1c (As shown); each laser emission channel includes: Laser source: Installed on the lower mounting platform, in this embodiment, the 8 light sources can be selected to emit the same wavelength (such as 1064nm infrared laser, corresponding to claim 8), or different wavelengths (such as some emitting 1064nm and some emitting 532nm visible light laser). Optical deflection element: It is a dual-axis driven mirror, which is mounted on the upper mounting platform and located downstream of the laser source's optical path; the mirror is driven by a dual-axis micro-motion actuator, which can simultaneously achieve rapid deflection in the horizontal and vertical directions, and its maximum deflection angle of the output beam is ±4° (i.e., α=2°, α can be selected from 0.5° to 5°). Optical path matching structure: ensures that the beam emitted by the laser source can be accurately incident on the reflecting surface of the optical deflection element.

[0040] The control system communicates with the detection components, azimuth / pitch macro actuators, and dual-axis micro actuators. Its core functions include: Receive target coordinate information output by the detection component; Calculate the coarse tracking angle of the work rig (drive the azimuth / pitch macro actuator). Calculate the precise aiming angle of the dual-axis mirror in each laser emission channel (drive the dual-axis micro-motion actuator). Enables rapid adjustment of beam angle during multi-target switching.

[0041] Working principle and process 1. Coarse-fine composite tracking process Coarse tracking: The azimuth / pitch macro actuator drives the work stand to rotate, bringing the target into the field of view of the detection component (the field of view angle is usually ±30°), thus achieving "target acquisition"; Precision aiming: The dual-axis micro-motion actuator drives the reflector to deflect, accurately pointing the laser beam at the target (the angular velocity response speed of the micro-motion actuator is more than 10 times that of the macro-motion actuator, achieving high-precision aiming).

[0042] 2. Single-target laser energy focusing process The detection component acquires the three-dimensional coordinates (distance L1, azimuth, and elevation) of target 1. The control system calculates the coarse tracking angle of the work frame and drives the work frame to rotate to the airspace where target 1 is located; The control system calculates a unique biaxial mirror deflection angle for each of the eight laser emission channels, enabling the eight laser beams to converge spatially at the far-field position of target 1, thus achieving energy focusing.

[0043] 3. Multi-target switching and convergence process The detection component simultaneously acquires the coordinate information (distances L1 and L2) of target 1 and target 2. Step 1: Control all beams to converge on target 1 to complete the preset irradiation; Step 2: Without moving the work stand, quickly adjust the deflection angle of the 8 mirrors using only the dual-axis micro-motion actuator (response time <10ms) to redirect the 8 laser beams from target 1 and converge them onto target 2; Optionally, the beams from four channels can be focused on target 1, while the beams from another four channels can be focused on target 2, enabling simultaneous engagement of multiple targets.

[0044] 4. Dynamic focusing on targets at different distances For targets at different distances (such as L1=1km, L2=2km), the control system calculates the mapping relationship between "target distance and reflector deflection angle" and sets different deflection angle combinations for each laser emission channel to ensure that the beam can achieve precise spatial matching at targets at different distances.

[0045] Implementation variations: Laser wavelength configuration: You can select all laser emission channels to emit lasers of the same wavelength (to improve energy concentration density), or emit lasers of different wavelengths (to achieve multi-band synergistic effect). Multi-target engagement mode: Supports "sequential engagement" (beam switches from target 1 to target 2) or "simultaneous engagement" (part of the beam is directed at target 1, and part is directed at target 2).

Claims

1. An optical detection and laser emission combination device for multi-target search, aiming, and laser energy focusing, characterized in that, include: The work frame is configured to be driven to rotate in the horizontal and pitch directions; the work frame includes an upper mounting platform and a lower mounting platform set at a fixed angle γ, the value of which is between 30° and 60°. The detection component is installed in the central area of ​​the upper mounting platform and is configured to scan the airspace within its field of view to detect at least one target and acquire the target's coordinate information. There are n laser emission channels, which are circumferentially distributed and mounted on the worktable; each laser emission channel includes: Laser source, the laser source is installed on the lower mounting platform; An optical deflection element is located downstream of the laser source and mounted on an upper mounting platform, configured to rapidly deflect the incident beam in both horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously. The control system is communicatively connected to the detection components and the drive components of each laser emission channel. The control system is configured to independently and collaboratively control the deflection angle of the optical deflection element in each laser emission channel based on the target coordinate information obtained by the detection components, so that the n laser beams emitted from the n laser emission channels can be spatially converged at the far-field target position, where n is an integer greater than 1.

2. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical deflection element is a mirror with horizontal and vertical deflection functions; the laser emission channel also includes a dual-axis driver, which is configured to simultaneously adjust the horizontal and vertical deflection angles of the mirror, and the dual-axis driver makes the maximum deflection angle of the output beam ±2α, where the value of α ranges from 0.5° to 5°.

3. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The included angle γ is fixed at 45°.

4. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component is an active + passive optical detection system, including at least one of an active optical rangefinder and a laser scanning radar, and at least one of a passive infrared imaging device and a passive visible light band imaging device; the field of view of the detection component is 2*β, where β = 0.5°-25°.

5. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The active optical detection system also includes an electromagnetic wave detection system, which is a phased array radar.

6. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the detection unit is a laser scanning radar, the laser scanning radar includes a detection light source for emitting a scanning beam, a pair of rotating scanning prisms for deflecting the scanning beam twice to form a scanning trajectory, and a receiving optical system and detector for receiving the target reflected echo; the pair of rotating scanning prisms includes wedge-shaped light transmission mirror-3 and wedge-shaped light transmission mirror-4, both of which have a wedge angle of β / 2, and the scanning trajectory of the scanning beam emitted by the laser scanning radar is a rose line; β=0.5°-25°.

7. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation of the worktable is driven by the azimuth macro actuator and the pitch macro actuator, while the deflection of the optical deflection element is driven by the micro-motion dual-axis actuator; the angular velocity response capability of the micro-motion dual-axis actuator is higher than that of the azimuth macro actuator and the pitch macro actuator.

8. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control system adopts a coarse-fine composite tracking strategy: the azimuth macro actuator and the pitch macro actuator drive the work frame to perform coarse tracking, so that the target enters and remains within the field of view of the detection component; The micro-motion actuator drives the optical deflection element for precise aiming.

9. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser wavelengths emitted by each laser emission channel are the same.

10. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each laser emission channel emits a different laser wavelength.

11. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system is further configured as follows: Receive coordinate information of at least two targets; Control the laser beams from each laser emission channel to converge on the first target; Without moving the work stand, by rapidly changing the angle of the optical deflection elements in each channel, all beams are controlled to turn from the first target position and reconverge to the second target position; or, The laser beam from one portion of the laser emission channels is focused onto the first target, while the laser beam from another portion of the laser emission channels is focused onto the second target. Without moving the work stand, by rapidly changing the angle of the optical deflection elements in each channel, all beams can be controlled to turn and converge between the first target position and the second target position, or to turn and converge to the third target position.

12. The optical detection and laser emission combination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system is further configured to: for targets at different distances, calculate and set different deflection angle combinations of the optical deflection elements of each laser emission channel to enable all beams to be dynamically focused at the distance of the target.

13. A multi-target laser strike method based on the combined apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S100: Drives the work frame to bring the target into the field of view of the detection component; S200: Scans the target area using a detection component to identify and obtain the precise spatial coordinates of at least two targets; S300: Based on the coordinates of the first target, calculate and control the optical deflection elements of all laser emission channels to operate synchronously, so that all or part of the laser beams converge on the first target; S400: After completing the preset irradiation of the first target, according to the coordinates of the second target, quickly adjust the angle of the optical deflection elements of all laser emission channels so that all or part of the laser beams turn and converge on the second target.

14. The multi-target laser strike method according to claim 13, characterized in that, In steps S300 and S400, for each target, the control system independently calculates a unique set of target angles for each laser emission channel based on the distance to the target, so as to achieve precise spatial matching of the beam at the target.

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