LASER CONTROL UNIT

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to laser controllers, vehicles incorporating laser controllers, and to methods of controlling a laser.Background

[0002] Lasers are able to deliver concentrated light energy over significant distances when there is no contamination in the light path. However, atmospheric distortions and contamination such as differing turbulence states, particulates such as dust or high humidity such as clouds in the light path will to varying degrees reflect, absorb and scatter light incident thereon, meaning that the delivered intensity is reduced. Even small amounts of contamination in the light path can significantly reduce the amount of energy delivered to a target, particularly when the contamination is located close to the laser source.

[0003] An exemplary laser system is described in US 2011 / 103410 A1.

[0004] Reduction of delivered intensity caused by contamination or atmospheric distortions in the light path is a problem for laser directed energy weapons (LDEWs). These problems may be serious at ground level and at sea, with factors such as salt spray or dusty desert environments exacerbating the issues. Different atmospheric effects at different times or on different days, such weather or pollen count, can affect fixed installations. Vehicle-mounted LDEWs may encounter varying environmental conditions as they move, for example if flying in and out of clouds. Furthermore, vehicle-mounted LDEWs often have operational limitations, for example a maximum operation duration or a minimum time between operations, owing to the constraints made to enable the LDEW to be small and light enough to be mobile, or otherwise integrated in to the power generation and thermal management systems of a vehicle. This means that there are often additional constraints to consider when controlling the laser of LDEWs, and in particular vehicle-mounted LDEWs.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a suitable laser controller to control when and how to operate a laser according to environmental conditions that may affect the light path.Summary

[0006] In one aspect there is provided a laser controller in accordance with claim 1. This laser controler comprises: an electromagnetic radiation source operable to transmit radiation into the environment; a backscatter detector operable to detect backscattered radiation from the environment; and a processor operable to generate a laser control signal based on characteristics of the detected backscattered radiation.

[0007] The backscatter detector is operable to detect backscattered radiation resulting from operation of the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0008] The processor is operable to generate a laser control signal for selectively enabling and disabling operation of a laser controlled by the laser controller.

[0009] The processor is operable to generate a laser control signal for disabling operation of a laser controlled by the laser controller when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is above a cut-off threshold level.

[0010] In one example, the backscatter detector is operable to detect backscattered radiation at a first distance range relative to the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0011] In one example, the backscatter detector and is operable to detect backscattered radiation within a plurality of different distance ranges relative to the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0012] In one example, the backscatter detector is operable to detect backscattered radiation within a plurality of distance ranges from the electromagnetic radiation source, starting with a first distance, and moving to one or more greater distances from the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0013] In one example, the processor is operable to generate a laser control signal based on characteristics of the detected backscattered radiation including intensity of the detected backscattered radiation.

[0014] In one example, the processor is operable to generate a laser control signal for enabling operation of a laser controlled by the laser controller when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is below a cut-off threshold level.

[0015] In one example, the processor is operable to generate a laser control signal for modulating the operational power of a laser controlled by the laser controller according to the intensity of the backscattered radiation. In one example, the processor is operable to generate a laser control signal for increasing the operation power of a laser controlled by the laser controller above a default power when the intensity of the backscattered radiation is between a first modulation threshold and a second modulation threshold.

[0016] In one example the second modulation threshold is below the cut-off threshold level.

[0017] In one example, the electromagnetic radiation source is operable to transmit ultra-violet radiation. In one example the electromagnetic radiation source is a laser. In one example, the electromagnetic radiation source is operable independently of a laser controlled by the laser control signal.

[0018] In one example, the backscatter detector comprises an interferometer.

[0019] In one example, the electromagnetic radiation source and backscatter detector are parts of a gas velocity sensor. In one example the gas velocity sensor comprises Doppler frequency shift sensor.

[0020] In one example, the laser controller is operable to control a laser of a LDEW using the laser control signal. In one example the laser controller is integral with a LDEW. In one example, the electromagnetic radiation source is operable to transmit radiation in a direction aligned with the laser of the LDEW. In one example, the radiation source is operable to transmit radiation along the same axis as the laser of the LDEW. In one example, the laser controller is integral with a LDEW, and arranged to operate the laser of the LDEW as the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0021] In another aspect there is provided a vehicle comprising a laser controller as set out herein. In one example the vehicle comprises an aircraft.

[0022] In another aspect there is provided a method of controlling a laser accordance with claim 12. The method comprises operating an electromagnetic radiation source to transmit radiation into the environment; operating a backscatter detector to detect backscattered radiation from the environment; and generating a laser control signal based on characteristics of the detected backscattered radiation. The method is performed by a laser controller as set out herein.

[0023] In one example, the method is performed in a vehicle as set out herein.

[0024] The method comprises operating the backscatter detector to detect backscattered radiation resulting from operation of the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0025] In one example, the method comprises operating the backscatter detector to detect backscattered radiation at a first distance range relative to the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0026] In one example, the method comprises operating the backscatter detector to detect backscattered radiation within a plurality of different distance ranges relative to the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0027] In one example, the method comprises operating the backscatter detector and to detect backscattered radiation within a plurality of distance ranges from the electromagnetic radiation source, starting with a first distance, and moving to one or more greater distances from the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0028] In one example, the method comprises generating a laser control signal based on characteristics of the detected backscattered radiation including intensity of the detected backscattered radiation.

[0029] The method comprises generating a laser control signal for selectively enabling and disabling operation of a laser controlled by the laser controller.

[0030] The method comprises generating a laser control signal for disabling operation of a laser controlled by the laser controller when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is above a cut-off threshold level.

[0031] In one example, the method comprises generating a laser control signal for enabling operation of a laser controlled by the laser controller when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is below a cut-off threshold level.

[0032] In one example, the method comprises generating a laser control signal for modulating the operational power of a laser controlled by the laser controller according to the intensity of the backscattered radiation. In one example, the method comprises generating a laser control signal for increasing the operation power of a laser controlled by the laser controller above a default power when the intensity of the backscattered radiation is between a first modulation threshold and a second modulation threshold.

[0033] In one example, the method comprises operating the electromagnetic radiation source independently of a laser controlled by the laser control signal.

[0034] In one example, the method comprises operating an electromagnetic radiation source and backscatter detector that are parts of a gas velocity sensor.

[0035] In one example, the method comprises controlling a laser of a LDEW using the laser control signal.Brief description of the drawings

[0036] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a laser controller according to an example embodiment; Figure 2 is an illustration of a vehicle comprising a laser controller according to an example embodiment; Figure 3 depicts steps in a method according to an example embodiment. Description of example embodiments

[0037] Referring now to Figure 1, a laser controller is denoted as a whole by the reference numeral 100.

[0038] The laser controller 100 comprises an electromagnetic radiation source 101 operable to transmit radiation into an environment, a backscatter detector 102 operable to detect backscattered radiation from the environment, and a processor 103 operable to generate a laser control signal based on characteristics of the detected backscattered radiation. By detecting backscatter from the environment, the laser controller 100 can, using the processor 103, determine suitable operating parameters for a laser under its control. For example, if the laser controller 100 determines, based on a large amount of backscatter, that there is no clear light path from the laser to a target, then operation of the laser can be prevented. This avoids ineffective operation of the laser.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a vehicle comprising the laser controller 100. In Figure 2 the vehicle 200 comprising a laser controller 100 also comprises a laser 201. While the vehicle 200 is shown here as an aircraft, it would be readily appreciated that the present invention is applicable to other types of vehicles such as ships, land vehicles and so on.

[0040] The laser 201 is part of a laser-directed energy weapon 202 (LDEW), and the laser controller 100 is operable to control the laser 201 of the LDEW 202 using the laser control signal. Although here depicted as two separate components the laser controller 100 may be integral with the LDEW 202.

[0041] The backscatter detector 102 and electromagnetic radiation source 101 are parts of a gas velocity sensor that are part of the vehicle 200. The gas velocity sensor comprises a Doppler frequency shift sensor, such as that described in patent publication WO 2009 / 034370 A1, filed in the name of the present applicant, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The gas velocity sensor is primarily used to determine airspeed of the vehicle, but includes an ultra violet laser source and an interferometer that can also be advantageously used as the electromagnetic radiation source 101 and backscatter detector 102 of the laser controller 100 respectively.

[0042] The backscatter detector 102 in use detects backscattered radiation at a first distance range relative to the electromagnetic radiation source 101. The backscatter detector 102, and electromagnetic radiation source 101 are operable together to detect backscattered radiation within a plurality of different distance ranges relative to the electromagnetic radiation source 101, starting with a first distance, and moving to one or more greater distances from the electromagnetic radiation source 101. In this way, an effective maximum effective range of the LDEW can be determined, that is, a range within which the light path to the target is not too contaminated. The processor 103 operates to generate a laser control signal on this basis, selectively enabling and disabling operation of the laser 201.

[0043] The processor 103 is generates a laser control signal based on characteristics of the detected backscattered radiation, including intensity of the detected backscattered radiation, as this is representative of the presence of contamination in the light path of the laser 201. The processor 103 is configured to generate a laser control signal for disabling operation of the laser 201 controlled by the laser controller 100 when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is above a cut-off threshold level, and conversely the processor 103 is configured to generate a laser control signal for enabling operation of the laser 201 controlled by the laser controller 100 when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is below the cut-off threshold level.

[0044] As well as enabling / disabling the laser 201 as described above, the processor 103 is further operable to generate a laser control signal that modulates the operational power of the laser 201 controlled by the laser controller 100, according to the intensity of the backscattered radiation. The processor 103 generates a laser control signal for increasing the operation power of the laser 201 controlled by the laser controller 100 above a default power when the intensity of the backscattered radiation is between a first modulation threshold and a second modulation threshold, so that an effective intensity is still delivered to a target despite some contamination in the light path.

[0045] Suitable optical arrangements are provided such that electromagnetic radiation source 101 transmits radiation in a direction aligned with the laser 201 of the LDEW 202, ideally along the same axis as the laser 201 of the LDEW. In another embodiment, the laser controller 100 is arranged to operate the laser 201 of the LDEW 202 as the electromagnetic energy source 101. Such embodiments do away with the requirement for a second laser source wen the laser controller 100 is used to control the laser of an LDEW.

[0046] Figure 3 shows an example of a method of controlling a laser.

[0047] At step 300, an electromagnetic radiation source is operated to transmit radiation into an environment. At step 302, a backscattered detector is operated to detect backscattered radiation from the environment. At step 304, a laser control signal is generated based on characteristics of the backscattered radiation.

[0048] The method is performed by the laser controller, mounted to the vehicle.

[0049] The method further comprises controlling a laser of a LDEW using the laser control signal as step 306.

[0050] Steps 301 and 302 are conveniently performed using an electromagnetic radiation source and backscatter detector that comprise parts of a gas velocity sensor, such as a Doppler frequency shift sensor.

[0051] The method comprises operating the backscatter detector to detect backscattered radiation at a first distance range relative to the electromagnetic radiation source. In one example, the method comprises operating the backscatter detector to detect backscattered radiation within a plurality of different distance ranges relative to the electromagnetic radiation source, starting with a first distance, and moving to one or more greater distances from the electromagnetic radiation source. Thus, an effective maximum effective range of the LDEW can be determined, that is, a range within which the light path to the target is not too contaminated. Based on characteristics of the detected backscatter radiation, a laser control signal is generated, for selectively enabling and disabling operation of the laser.

[0052] The characteristics of the detected backscatter radiation include, for example, intensity of the detected backscattered radiation, as this is representative of the presence of contamination in the light path of the laser. A laser control signal for disabling operation of the laser controlled by the laser controller is generated when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is above a cut-off threshold level. Similarly, a laser control signal for enabling operation of a laser controlled by the laser controller is generated when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is below a cut-off threshold level.

[0053] As well as enabling / disabling the laser as described above, a laser control signal for modulating the operational power of a laser controlled by the laser controller according to the intensity of the backscattered radiation is generated. A laser control signal for increasing the operation power of a laser controlled by the laser controller above a default power is generated when the intensity of the backscattered radiation is between a first modulation threshold and a second modulation threshold, such that an effective intensity is still delivered to a target despite some contamination in the light path.

[0054] The method in one embodiment comprises operating the electromagnetic radiation source independently of a laser controlled by the laser control signal. In another embodiment, the method comprises operating the laser of an LDEW as the electromagnetic radiation source, eliminating the need for a second laser source, when the method is performed to control the laser of an LDEW.

Claims

1. A laser controller (100) comprising: an electromagnetic radiation source (101) operable to transmit radiation into an environment; a backscatter detector (102) operable to detect backscattered radiation resulting from operation of the electromagnetic radiation source; and a processor (103) operable to generate a laser control signal based on characteristics of the detected backscattered radiation, characterized in that the processor (103) is operable to generate a laser control signal for selectively enabling and disabling operation of a laser (201) controlled by the laser controller (100), wherein the processor (103) is operable to generate a laser control signal for disabling operation of a laser (201) controlled by the laser controller (100) when the intensity of the detected backscattered radiation is above a cut-off threshold level.

2. The laser controller of claim 1, wherein the backscatter detector (102) is operable to detect backscattered radiation at a first distance range relative to the electromagnetic radiation source (101).

3. The laser controller of claim 2, wherein the backscatter detector (102) is operable to detect backscattered radiation within a plurality of distance ranges from the electromagnetic radiation source (101), starting with a first distance, and moving to one or more greater distances from the electromagnetic radiation source (101).

4. The laser controller of any preceding claim, wherein the processor (103) is operable to generate a laser control signal based on intensity of the detected backscattered radiation.

5. The laser controller of any preceding claim, wherein the processor (103) is operable to generate a laser control signal for modulating the operational power of a laser (201) controlled by the laser controller according to the intensity of the backscattered radiation.

6. The laser controller of claim 5, wherein the processor (103) is operable to generate a laser control signal for increasing the operation power of a laser (201) controlled by the laser controller (100) above a default power when the intensity of the backscattered radiation is between a first modulation threshold and a second modulation threshold.

7. The laser controller of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electromagnetic radiation source (101) is a laser.

8. The laser controller of any preceding claim, wherein the backscatter detector (102) comprises an interferometer.

9. The laser controller of any preceding claim, wherein the electromagnetic radiation source (101) and backscatter detector (102) are parts of a gas velocity sensor.

10. The laser controller of any preceding claim, operable to control a laser (201) of a laser directed energy weapon, LDEW (202), using the laser control signal.

11. A vehicle (200) comprising the laser controller (100) of any preceding claim.

12. A method of controlling a laser (300-301) using the laser controller (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10.