Laser beam device and method for producing coherence

Abstract

The invention relates to a laser beam device (10) for irradiating a target object, and to a method for operating a laser beam device (10) of said kind. According to the invention, at least two laser beams are made coherent.

Description

[0001] Title: Laser beam device and method for

[0002] Coherence generation

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a laser beam device for irradiating a target object with effective laser radiation, for example, a HEL effector, a high-energy laser effector. The key components of a HEL effector include at least one laser source and a beam guidance system. The beam guidance system comprises, for example, functions and / or subassemblies such as a fine imaging system (FIS), a fine tracking system (FTS), a telescope, and adaptive optics.

[0005] Gas lasers or solid-state lasers, such as fiber lasers, are used as laser sources. The invention further relates to a laser beam device with a plurality of, at least two, amplifier paths, wherein the effective laser radiation generated by an effective laser source is directed and / or split at least partially into a first and at least partially into a second amplifier path by means of a beam steering and / or beam splitting device.

[0006] Each amplifier path comprises an amplifier device for amplifying the effective laser radiation. The laser beam device is designed to irradiate the target object, at least temporarily and simultaneously, with an effective laser beam emanating from the first amplifier path and an effective laser beam emanating from the second amplifier path.

[0007] In order to irradiate the target object as effectively as possible, a coherent superposition of the effective laser beams emitted by the amplifier paths should be achieved.

[0008] The phase relationship between the two effective laser beams required to generate coherence cannot be measured directly. Usually, indirect measurements are carried out to determine the phase, in which the intensity of the superposition is evaluated. When high-power fiber lasers are used, the output power can vary greatly. This sometimes places very high demands on the dynamics of the evaluation. To improve the evaluation, it is also known to additionally modulate the amplitude of the laser power. This type of modulation can only be applied to high-power fiber lasers to a limited extent, as the modulation leads to non-linear processes, which in turn limits the output power of the high-power fiber laser. A further problem arises when high-power fiber lasers are switched on. Due to their design, phase fluctuations occur, which in turn generate large fluctuations in power.This in turn places very high demands on the dynamics of measurement, evaluation and control.

[0009] If the laser beam device is used to irradiate a distant target, phase changes along the propagation path, caused, for example, by turbulence, occur in addition to the phase changes within the device itself. This leads to a further influencing factor on the control system, which can only be determined and corrected when the high-power fiber laser is switched on. Furthermore, when the high-power fiber laser is switched on, a luminous phenomenon can occur on the target due to the high intensity, which in turn negatively affects the evaluation of the intensity on the target.

[0010] These disadvantages are to be overcome with the present invention. According to the invention, it is therefore proposed that the laser beam device comprises a calibration laser source for generating calibration laser radiation, wherein the wavelength of the calibration laser radiation differs from the wavelength of the effective laser radiation, wherein the laser beam device is designed such that at least a portion of the calibration laser radiation generated by the calibration laser source can be split and / or deflected into the first and second amplifier paths at the beam steering and / or beam splitting device, and a respective amplifier path comprises a wavelength-dependent decoupling element for decoupling at least a portion of the calibration laser light,and wherein the laser beam device comprises means for determining a phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, and wherein at least one amplifier path comprises at least one means for shifting the phase of laser radiation, and the at least one means for shifting the phase is controllable as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path.

[0011] The wavelength of the calibration laser radiation deviates at least slightly from the wavelength of the effective laser radiation. The wavelength of the calibration laser radiation lies outside the amplifier bandwidth. The effective laser source and the calibration laser source are operated in such a way that the calibration laser radiation has a significantly lower power than the active laser radiation. The power of the calibration laser source is, for example, between 1 watt and 100 watts. The power of the effective laser source is, for example, between 100 watts and several 1000 watts. The active laser light and the calibration laser light have, for example, the same polarization. The active laser light and the calibration laser light can also be polarized perpendicular to one another.

[0012] By means of the beam steering and / or beam splitting device, both the active laser light and the calibration laser light are directed and / or split in each amplifier channel. A beam steering device is, for example, a mirror. A beam splitting device is, for example, a beam splitter.

[0013] In the amplifier path, at least the effective laser radiation is amplified by the amplifier device. The amplifier device is designed, for example, in a respective amplifier path such that the effective laser radiation is amplified, while the calibration laser radiation is amplified only to a relatively low degree. This is achieved, for example, by wavelength-dependent amplification.

[0014] The wavelengths of the calibration laser light and the effective laser light differ. The wavelengths are advantageously close to each other. This ensures that any influence, such as phase errors, on the phase of the calibration laser light and the effective laser light of the two wavelengths is the same or approximately the same. The wavelength of the effective laser light is, for example, 1035 nm or 1090 nm (Ai), and the wavelength of the calibration laser light is, for example, < 1035 nm or > 1095 nm. , at least outside the amplifier bandwidth.

[0015] The active laser radiation and the calibration laser radiation traverse the same optical path in each amplifier stage and are subject to the same propagation time effects during operation, such as length changes due to thermal expansion and changes in the refractive index. As a result, both receive virtually the same phase error. The wavelengths of the active laser radiation and the calibration laser radiation are thus phase-related.

[0016] By means of the wavelength-dependent output coupling element, a portion or all of the calibration laser radiation is coupled out of a respective amplifier path. The wavelength-dependent output coupling element is, for example, a beam splitter. For example, active laser light is transmitted and calibration laser light is reflected and thus deflected and coupled out. The coupled-out calibration laser light is fed to a means or means in each case for determining a phase of the calibration laser light. If a common means for phase determination, for example a central processing unit, is used, a ratio of the phases of the calibration laser radiation coupled out from the first amplifier path and the calibration laser radiation coupled out from the second amplifier path can be determined.

[0017] If the calibration laser radiation coupled out of the first and second amplifier paths is fed to a respective means for phase determination, a respective phase can be determined, in particular relative to a reference value.

[0018] Various intensity-based methods, such as power-in-the-bucket, PiB, or an evaluation of the interference pattern can be used to determine the phase.

[0019] Unlike effective laser radiation, the calibration laser radiation is a power-independent input variable for the intensity measurement and the phase determination based on it.

[0020] According to the invention, it is therefore provided that a phase relationship of the calibration laser radiation of the first and second beam paths is determined. This phase relationship is used to coordinate the laser radiation of the first and second amplifier paths. According to the invention, the phase relationship of the effective laser radiation does not have to be determined. Since the effective laser radiation and the calibration laser radiation traverse the same optical path in each amplifier path and therefore have the same phase error, the phase relationship of the effective laser radiation can be deduced from the phase relationship of the calibration laser radiation. The advantage of using the calibration laser radiation and not the effective laser radiation to determine the phase relationship is that the calibration laser radiation has a significantly lower power than the effective laser radiation.Due to the lower power, the calibration laser source can be operated continuously, for example, even if the target object has not yet been irradiated with effective laser radiation. Using the calibration laser radiation to determine the phase relationship reduces the requirements for the control loop with regard to measurement dynamics and control dynamics.

[0021] Furthermore, by using calibration laser radiation, the phase relationship can be determined and, in particular, a phase coupling can be generated even before the active laser source is switched on.

[0022] The laser beam device further provides that at least one amplifier path comprises at least one means for shifting the phase, also called a phase shifter, of the laser radiation. The means for shifting the phase can be controlled as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, in particular as a function of a ratio of the two phases.

[0023] The phase shifter is designed, for example, as a single-stage or two-stage phase shifter. The phase shifter is designed, for example, as a piezo phase shifter and / or an EOM phase shifter. A piezo phase shifter is used, for example, for large phase changes. An EOM phase shifter is used, for example, for small, rapid phase changes.

[0024] For example, a control signal for the phase shifter can be determined based on the phase or phases or the ratio of the phases, in particular by means of an electronic computing device, and the phase shifter can be controlled accordingly based on the control signal.

[0025] By shifting the phases of the laser radiation using the phase shifter, the phase relationship of the laser radiation from the first amplifier path and the laser radiation from the second amplifier path can be adjusted to achieve a coherent superposition of the laser radiation. This can also be referred to as phase coupling.

[0026] It may be advantageous if a respective amplifier path comprises at least one means for shifting the phase of the laser radiation, and a respective means can be controlled as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path.

[0027] In this case, the phase relationship of the laser radiation of the first amplifier path and the laser radiation of the second amplifier path can be adjusted to achieve a coherent superposition by shifting the phase of the laser radiation of the first amplifier path and the laser radiation of the second amplifier path.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the decoupling element is arranged and designed such that at least a portion of the calibration laser radiation can be decoupled from the amplifier path before it exits the amplifier path in the direction of the target object. This can also be referred to as near-field decoupling or near-field phase determination. By appropriately controlling the phase shifter(s) as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, coherent superposition on a nearby target can be achieved by means of near-field phase determination.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the coupling-out element is designed such that calibration laser radiation reflected from the target object can be coupled out of the amplifier path. This can also be referred to as far-field coupling-out or far-field phase determination. By appropriately controlling the phase shifter(s) depending on the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path reflected from the target and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, a coherent superposition on a distant target can be achieved by means of phase determination in the far field.

[0030] At least a portion of the calibration laser radiation is directed toward the target object by a respective amplifier path, in particular via suitable optical means, for example a telescope. Due to reflections from the target object, at least a small portion of the calibration laser radiation returns to the amplifier path, in particular via the telescope.

[0031] The reflected part of the calibration laser radiation is subjected to a phase determination via the output coupling element, in particular a wavelength-dependent output coupling element.

[0032] When determining the phase in the far field, in addition to the already described phase changes in the device itself, particularly within a respective amplifier path, phase changes along the propagation path, which are caused, for example, by turbulence, also occur. Along the optical axis, the calibration laser radiation is subject to the same or at least almost the same influence, for example, phase change, refraction, caused in particular by turbulence, as the effective laser radiation. Therefore, the calibration laser radiation can also be used to determine the phase relationship in the far field.

[0033] The determination of the phase relationship according to the invention can be used to determine control parameters for achieving a coherent superposition even before the active laser source is switched on. In the methods and devices known from the prior art, the phase relationships and thus the control parameters can only be determined when the active laser is switched on and can then be corrected. When the active laser is switched on, a luminous phenomenon can occur on the target due to the high intensity of the active laser. This can also have a negative influence on the determination of the phase relationships and the control parameters in the methods and devices known from the prior art. According to the present invention, the phase determination in the far field can be used to compensate for the effects on the phases caused by turbulence, despite the luminous phenomenon on the target generated by the active laser.

[0034] According to one embodiment, it is further provided that a respective beam path comprises at least one optical element, in particular a telescope and / or a tip / tilt mirror, for directing laser radiation onto the target object. It can be provided that the optical element, in particular the telescope and / or the tip / tilt mirror, in addition to or alternatively to the phase shifter, can be controlled as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, in particular as a function of a ratio of the two phases, in particular to achieve a coherent superposition of effective laser radiation on the target object. In this context, a control signal for the telescope and / or the tip / tilt mirror can be determined, in particular by means of an electronic computing device, and the telescope and / or the tip / tilt mirror can be controlled accordingly using the control signal.

[0035] It can also be provided that a control signal for the telescope and / or the tip / tilt mirror can be determined additionally based on an evaluation of a visual detection of the laser radiation in the target. In this case, for example, a corresponding optical sensor for detecting the laser radiation in the target, such as a camera, is provided. The telescope and / or the tip / tilt mirror of a respective amplifier path can then be controlled, for example, in such a way that the laser radiation is superimposed at one point in the target.

[0036] It can also be provided that a respective or at least one amplifier path comprises a decoupling element for the near-field decoupling and a decoupling element for the far-field decoupling.

[0037] It can also be provided that a decoupling element is designed for both near-field and far-field decoupling. For example, such a decoupling element can be switched between near-field and far-field decoupling.

[0038] The laser beam device is advantageously designed to calibrate the phase relationship of the wavelength A^ of the effective laser light and the wavelength A^- of the calibration laser light.

[0039] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the laser beam device comprises at least one beam combiner device for combining the calibration laser radiation with the effective laser radiation, wherein the beam combiner device is arranged such that the combining takes place before the splitting and / or deflection of the effective and / or calibration laser radiation into the at least two amplifier paths.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the laser beam device comprises a modulation device for modulating the calibration laser radiation, in particular for modulating an amplitude. The amplitude is modulated, for example, in the form of continuous wave modulation or pulsed modulation. The type of modulation can also be varied, for example, depending on the operating mode of the laser beam device. The modulation device is arranged, for example, upstream of the beam combiner device. The modulation device is, for example, controllable. The calibration laser radiation can be modulated without influencing the dynamics of the effective laser radiation.

[0041] The modulation device can be used, for example, in combination with certain receivers, in particular receiving methods, which can be used for phase determination and / or are part of a means for phase determination. Examples of means, in particular receiving methods, are lock-in amplifiers, homodyne receivers, or heterodyne receivers. In combination with the modulation of the calibration laser radiation, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be improved, thus improving, for example, accelerating and / or making more precise, the phase determination.

[0042] By modulating the calibration laser radiation, the signal-to-noise ratio can also be improved when determining the phase relationship in the far field, for example by appropriately modulating the calibration laser radiation to reduce the influence of the luminous phenomenon on the target object generated by the effective laser radiation on the calibration laser radiation.

[0043] Further embodiments relate to a method for

[0044] Operating a laser beam device according to the embodiments described above. The method comprises at least the following steps: generating calibration laser radiation and directing and / or splitting at least a portion of the generated calibration laser radiation into at least a first and at least one second amplifier path, wherein in a respective amplifier path at least a portion of the calibration laser radiation is coupled out by means of a wavelength-dependent coupling-out element; determining a phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, and depending on the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, controlling at least one means for shifting the phase of laser radiation.

[0045] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the method comprises the emission of effective laser radiation and that the at least one means for shifting the phase of the laser radiation is controlled in such a way that a coherent superposition of the effective laser radiation is achieved when the effective laser radiation is emitted.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the laser beam device is operated, at least temporarily, in such a way that only calibration laser radiation is emitted. This is, for example, a configuration mode. In configuration mode, no effective laser radiation is emitted, but only calibration laser radiation. However, the means for shifting the phase of the laser radiation can already be controlled in such a way that a coherent superposition of the effective laser beams emitted by the amplifier paths can be achieved immediately upon switching on the effective laser source.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the laser beam device is operated, at least temporarily, in such a way that calibration laser radiation and effective laser radiation are emitted simultaneously. This is, for example, a normal operation, particularly one intended for the intended purpose. Normal operation follows, for example, a configuration operation.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step for modulating the calibration laser light. This is done, for example, by means of a modulation device, in particular a controllable one. The calibration laser radiation can advantageously be modulated without influencing the dynamics of the effective laser radiation. The amplitude is modulated, for example, in the form of cw modulation or pulsed. The type of modulation can also be varied, for example, depending on the operating mode. For example, the modulation is carried out at the beginning of operation, for example during configuration operation, in pulsed form for length adjustment. For example, the modulation is subsequently carried out during operation, for example during normal operation, in the form of cw modulation.

[0049] Modulating the calibration laser light can, for example, be used in combination with reception methods that can be used for phase determination. Examples of reception methods are lock-in amplification, homodyne reception, or heterodyne reception. In combination with modulation of the calibration laser radiation, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be improved, thus improving phase determination, for example, accelerating and / or making it more precise.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the method includes a step for calibrating the phase relationship between the wavelength A^ of the active laser light and the wavelength X2 of the calibration laser light. Calibration, also referred to as the calibration process, involves determining and, if necessary, adjusting the phase relationship. This is done, for example, by means of the means or means for phase determination, for example separately for a respective amplifier path or jointly for two or more amplifier paths.

[0051] To calibrate the phase relationship, a portion of the calibration laser radiation and a portion of the effective laser radiation are coupled out of the amplifier path using an output coupling element. The output coupling element is, for example, a switchable wavelength-dependent output coupling element, such as a beam splitter. For example, the output coupling element can be switched between a switching state in which only calibration laser light is coupled out and a switching state in which both calibration laser light and effective laser light are coupled out.

[0052] The decoupled calibration and effective laser light is fed to the means for determining the phase relationship.

[0053] Depending on the determined phase relationship, a control signal for a respective phase shifter can be determined, in particular by means of an electronic computing device, and a respective phase shifter can be controlled accordingly based on the control signal. This allows the phase relationship of the wavelength A^ of the active laser light and the wavelength A^- for a respective amplifier path to be adjusted accordingly. The phase relationship is advantageously adjusted such that the wavelengths A^ of the active laser light of all amplifier paths are coherently superimposed.

[0054] It can be provided that the calibration is performed at the beginning of the method for operating the laser beam device. Advantageously, it is provided that the calibration is performed repeatedly during the runtime of the method for operating the laser beam device. For example, the calibration can be repeated at predeterminable time intervals. It can also be provided that the calibration is repeated after a certain number of wavelength shifts have been performed.

[0055] For example, a permissible phase error, for example The phase difference A is determined via_4 = |n * Ai — n * X2 | as a function of Ai and A2, so that a permissible number n of direction-dependent wavelength shifts can be determined. If the permissible number n of wavelength shifts is reached or exceeded, the calibration is performed again.

[0056] It may be advantageous to reduce the power of the active laser light during the calibration process.

[0057] Further advantages will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. The same reference numerals in different figures designate identical or at least functionally comparable elements. In the description of individual figures, reference may also be made to elements from other figures. They show in schematic form:

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a laser beam device according to a first embodiment;

[0059] Fig. 2 shows a laser beam device according to a further embodiment;

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a method for operating a laser beam device according to Fig. 1 or 2 or 4 or 5;

[0061] Fig. 4 shows a laser beam device according to a further embodiment, and

[0062] Fig. 5 shows a laser beam device according to a further embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a laser beam device, which is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10. The laser beam device 10 is designed, for example, and can be operated, for example, such that a target object (not shown in the figures), in particular a distant target object, for example between 10 m, in particular 50 m, to 1000 m or even more, can be irradiated with laser radiation, in particular effective laser radiation.

[0064] The laser beam device is, for example, a laser weapon or a laser weapon system. Laser weapons or laser weapon systems are used, for example, to protect objects, whether moving or stationary. A laser weapon or a laser weapon system can comprise one or more HEL (high-energy laser) effectors. Several HEL effectors can be aimed simultaneously at one or more target objects.

[0065] These can include static targets such as mines, IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), etc., as well as dynamic targets such as rockets, artillery shells, or RAM missiles, etc. These targets are then destroyed and / or annihilated as part of the threat response. Small targets (Low, Medium & Small = LSS targets) in particular can be destroyed or annihilated more easily by such a weapon system. LSS targets also include so-called UAVs (Unmanned Air Vehicles), such as drones, which are often misused to transport explosives.

[0066] The key components of a HEL effector include a laser source and a beam delivery system. The beam delivery system can accommodate subassemblies such as a fine imaging system (FIS), a fine tracking system (FTS), a telescope, and, if necessary, at least one adaptive optics system (AO). Common laser sources include gas lasers, such as CO2 lasers, and solid-state lasers, such as diode lasers.

[0067] Fiber lasers, etc. HEL effectors, like other weapon systems, can be mounted on a fixed or mobile platform. Weapon stations are also referred to as platforms. These platforms can be mounted on stationary objects (e.g., houses, bunkers, containers, etc.) or mobile objects (e.g., land, air, and sea vehicles, containers, etc.).

[0068] Aiming a high-energy laser beam at a target in a military environment presents a major technical challenge. This involves transmitting high laser power (high laser density) using optical systems such as mirrors and lenses. There are also stringent requirements for tracking accuracy and target tracking, as well as focusing on a moving target, e.g., using a telescope. Compensating for atmospheric interference is a further problem. Furthermore, high environmental impacts such as shock, vibration, temperature, and electromagnetic interference on the entire transmission system, as well as tracking the effect on the target in real time, present specialists with a variety of complex tasks.

[0069] The present invention addresses the challenge of achieving a coherent superposition of effective laser beams emitted by different amplifier paths. This is explained below with reference to the figures.

[0070] The laser beam device 10 comprises an effective laser source

[0071] 12 for generating effective laser radiation. The effective laser radiation is shown in Figure 1 as a dotted line and designated Xi. The wavelength of the effective laser radiation is, for example, Xi = 1040 nm. The effective laser source 12 is a high-power laser.

[0072] According to the illustrated embodiment, the effective laser radiation generated by the effective laser source 12 is directed and / or split at least partially into a first amplifier path 16-1 and at least partially into a second amplifier path 16-2 by means of a beam steering and / or beam splitting device 14. The illustration in the figures is merely exemplary. It may be advantageous, for example, to use more than two amplifier paths, for example between two and ten, or even twenty or more amplifier paths.

[0073] Each amplifier path 16-1, 16-2 comprises an amplifier device 18 for amplifying the effective laser radiation. The amplifier device 18 amplifies, for example, in a wavelength-dependent manner depending on the wavelength Xi.

[0074] Advantageously, the laser beam device 10 is designed and can be operated such that the target object is irradiated, at least temporarily, simultaneously with an effective laser beam emanating from the first amplifier path 16-1 and an effective laser beam emanating from the second amplifier path 16-2. The laser beam device 10 can also comprise more than two amplifier paths 16-1, 16-2.

[0075] To irradiate the target object as effectively as possible, a coherent superposition of the effective laser beams emitted by amplifier paths 16-1 and 16-2 should be achieved. This is explained below.

[0076] According to the embodiment, the laser beam device 10 comprises a calibration laser source 20 for generating calibration laser radiation. The calibration laser source 20 and the effective laser source 12 are designed such that a wavelength X2 of the calibration laser radiation deviates from the wavelength Xi of the effective laser radiation. The calibration laser radiation is shown in Figure 1 as a solid line and designated X2. The wavelength of the calibration laser radiation X2 can be greater or lesser than Xi. Preferably, X2 lies outside the amplifier bandwidth of the respective laser system, for example, with an amplifier Xi of 1040 nm, X2 is < 1030 nm or Xi is 1085 nm (X2 is > 1090 nm).

[0077] According to the embodiment, the laser beam device 10 comprises at least one beam combiner device 22 for combining the calibration laser radiation with the active laser radiation. The beam combiner device 22 is arranged such that the combining takes place before the splitting and / or redirecting of the combined active and / or calibration laser radiation into the at least two amplifier paths 16-1, 16-2.

[0078] The combined effective and / or calibration laser radiation is shown in Fig. 1 as a dot-dash line and is designated Xi + X2.

[0079] Finally, by means of the beam steering and / or beam splitting device 14, the combined effective and / or calibration laser radiation, and thus at least a part of the calibration laser radiation generated by the calibration laser source, is directed into the first and second amplifier paths 16-1, 16-2, respectively.

[0080] The calibration laser radiation experiences no or only a relatively low amplification by the amplifier device 18, since the amplification depends on the wavelength, for example, depending on the wavelength X l occurs .

[0081] According to the embodiment, it is provided that a respective amplifier path 16-1, 16-2 comprises a wavelength-dependent coupling element 24 for coupling out at least a part of the calibration laser light.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the coupling element 24, also designated 24-1, is arranged and designed such that at least a part of the calibration laser radiation can be coupled out of the respective amplifier path 16-1, 16-2 before it exits the amplifier path in the direction of the target object.

[0083] This can also be referred to as near-field decoupling or near-field decoupling, especially for phase determination in the near field.

[0084] The laser beam device 10 comprises means 26 for determining a phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path 16-1 and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path 16-2. According to the illustrated embodiment, both the calibration laser radiation coupled out of the first and the second amplifier path 16-1, 16-2 is fed to a respective means 26 for phase determination. A respective phase is determined, for example, relative to a reference value. As a reference value, the means 26 for phase determination is fed, for example, a reference signal from an output at the elements labeled 14 or 30.

[0085] Alternatively, a common means 26 ' (compare the dotted outline in Figures 1 and 2) could be used for phase determination and, accordingly, for example, a ratio of the phases of the calibration laser radiation coupled out of the first amplifier path 16-1 and the calibration laser radiation coupled out of the second amplifier path 16-2 could be determined.

[0086] According to the illustrated embodiment, a respective amplifier path 16-1, 16-2 comprises means 28 for shifting the phase of laser radiation. The means 28 for shifting the phase of the laser radiation is a phase shifter.

[0087] The phase shifters 28 can be controlled depending on the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path 16-1 and / or depending on the phase of the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path 16-2. For example, the phase shifter 28 of the first amplifier path 16-1 can be controlled depending on the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path 16-1, and the phase shifter 28 of the second amplifier path 16-2 can be controlled depending on the phase of the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path 16-2.

[0088] For example, a control signal for a respective phase shifter can be determined based on the phase or phases or the ratio of the phases, in particular by means of an electronic computing device, and a respective phase shifter can be controlled accordingly based on the control signal. The computing device for determining the control signal is not explicitly shown in Fig. 1.

[0089] By modulating the phases of the laser radiation using the phase shifters 28, the phase relationship of the laser radiation from the first amplifier path 16-1 and the laser radiation from the second amplifier path 16-2 can be coordinated to one another in such a way that a coherent superposition of the laser radiation can be achieved. This can also be referred to as phase coupling. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a coherent superposition at a nearby target can be achieved by means of phase determination in the near field.

[0090] According to the embodiment, the laser beam device 10 comprises a modulation device 30 for modulating the calibration laser radiation, in particular for modulating an amplitude of the calibration laser radiation. The modulation device 30 is arranged, for example, upstream of the beam combiner device. The modulation device 30 is, for example, controllable. The calibration laser radiation can be modulated without influencing the dynamics of the effective laser radiation. In combination with the modulation of the calibration laser radiation, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be improved, and thus the phase determination can be improved, for example, accelerated and / or made more precise.

[0091] Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of a laser beam device 10.

[0092] According to the illustrated embodiment, the output coupling element 24, also designated 24-2, is designed such that calibration laser radiation reflected from the target object can be output from the respective amplifier path 16-1, 16-2. This can also be referred to as far-field output coupling or far-field output coupling, in particular for phase determination in the far field. At least a portion of the calibration laser radiation is directed onto the target object by a respective amplifier path 16-1, 16-2, in particular via suitable optical means, for example a telescope 32 and / or a tip / tilt mirror 34. Due to reflections from the target object, at least a small portion of the calibration laser radiation returns to the respective amplifier path 16-1, 16-2, in particular via the telescope 32.

[0093] The reflected part of the calibration laser radiation is fed to a phase determination 26 via the output coupling element 24, 24-2, in particular a wavelength-dependent output coupling element 24, 24-2.

[0094] Along the optical axis, the calibration laser radiation experiences the same, or at least almost the same, influences, such as phase changes and refraction, as the effective laser radiation. Therefore, the calibration laser radiation can also be used to determine the phase relationship in the far field.

[0095] By suitably controlling the phase shifter 28 or the phase shifters as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path 16-1 and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path 16-2, a coherent superposition on a distant target can be achieved by means of phase determination in the far field. It can further be provided that the optical elements, in particular the telescope 32 and / or the tip / tilt mirror 34, in addition to or alternatively to the phase shifter 28, can be controlled as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path 16-1 and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path 16-2, in particular as a function of a ratio of the two phases, in particular to achieve a coherent superposition of effective laser radiation on the target object.

[0096] An exemplary method 300 for operating a laser beam device 10 is explained with reference to Fig. 3.

[0097] The method 300 comprises at least the following steps: a step 310 for generating and emitting calibration laser radiation, in particular by means of a calibration laser source 20 and directing and / or splitting at least a portion of the generated calibration laser radiation into at least one first and at least one second amplifier path 16-1, 16-2, in particular by means of a beam directing and / or beam splitting device 14, a step 320 for coupling out at least a portion of the calibration laser radiation from a respective amplifier path 16-1, 16-2, in particular by means of a wavelength-dependent coupling-out element, a step 330 for determining a phase of the

[0098] Calibration laser light of the first amplifier path 16-1 and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path 16-2, and a step 340 for controlling at least one means 28 for shifting the phase of laser radiation as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path 16-1 and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path 16-2. Step 340 can alternatively or additionally also comprise controlling optical elements, in particular telescope 32 and / or tip / tilt mirror 34, in particular an alignment of these elements in addition to or alternatively to the phase shifter 28. In this context, a control signal for the phase shifter 28 and / or for the telescope 32 and / or the tip / tilt mirror 34 is determined, in particular by means of an electronic computing device, and the phase shifter 28 and / or the telescope 32 and / or the tip / tilt mirror 34 is controlled accordingly using the control signal.

[0099] The method 300 may further comprise a step 350 for emitting effective laser radiation, in particular by means of an effective laser source 12. In step 340, the at least one means 28 for shifting the phase of the laser radiation is advantageously controlled such that upon emission 350 of effective laser radiation, a coherent superposition of the signals emitted by the at least two amplifier paths 16-1, 16-2

[0100] Effective laser beams are achieved.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the laser beam device 10 is operated at least temporarily in such a way that only calibration laser radiation is emitted. This is, for example, a configuration mode 300a. In configuration mode 300a, no effective laser radiation is emitted, but only calibration laser radiation. The configuration mode 300a comprises, for example, steps 310, 320, 330, 340.

[0102] However, according to step 340, the means 28 for shifting the phase of the laser radiation can already be controlled in such a way that with a later switching on of the effective laser source 12, a coherent superposition of the effective laser beams emitted by the at least two amplifier paths 16-1, 16-2 can be achieved immediately.

[0103] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the laser beam device 10 is operated at least temporarily such that calibration laser radiation and effective laser radiation are emitted simultaneously. This is, for example, a normal operation 300b, in particular one that is intended for it. The normal operation 300b follows, for example, a configuration operation 300a. In the normal operation 300b, for example, the steps 310, 320, 330, 340 and 350 are carried out. According to one embodiment, it is provided that the method comprises a step 360 for modulating the calibration laser light. The step 360 can, for example, be carried out both in the configuration operation 300a and in the normal operation 300b.

[0104] The sequence of steps shown is exemplary. The steps can also be performed in a different order and / or at least partially in parallel.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the laser device 10 is designed to carry out a calibration process.

[0106] Accordingly, method 300 may include a step of performing the calibration process. The calibration process is illustrated in the example as step 370.

[0107] The calibration procedure can be performed at the beginning of operation and repeatedly during operation of the laser device.

[0108] Calibration is explained using Figures 4 and 5, for example. The calibration process involves calibrating the phase relationship between the wavelength A^ of the active laser light and the wavelength A^- of the calibration laser light. Calibration involves determining and, if necessary, adjusting the phase relationship.

[0109] To calibrate the phase relationship, a portion of the calibration laser radiation and a portion of the effective laser radiation are coupled out of the amplifier path by means of an output coupling element. The output coupling element is, for example, the wavelength-dependent output coupling element 24, 24-1, 24-2. The output coupling element 24, 24-1, 24-2 is, for example, a switchable wavelength-dependent output coupling element. For example, the output coupling element can be switched between a switching state in which only calibration laser light is coupled out and between a switching state in which both calibration laser light and effective laser light are coupled out.

[0110] To determine the phase relationship, calibration laser light and effective laser light are coupled out of a respective amplifier path and fed to the means 26, 26' or the means 26 for phase determination. The phase relationship of calibration laser light and effective laser light can be determined, for example, separately for a respective amplifier path or jointly for two or more amplifier paths. Depending on the determined phase relationship, a control signal for a respective phase shifter 28 can be determined, in particular by means of an electronic computing device, and a respective phase shifter 28 can be controlled accordingly using the control signal. In this way, the phase relationship of the wavelength A^ of the effective laser light and the wavelength A^ for a respective amplifier path can be adjusted accordingly.The phase relationship is advantageously adjusted in such a way that the wavelengths Aj of the effective laser light of all amplifier paths are coherently superimposed.

[0111] It may be provided that the calibration is carried out at the beginning of the method for operating the laser beam device.

[0112] Advantageously, the calibration is performed repeatedly during the runtime of the method for operating the laser beam device. The calibration can be repeated, for example, at predeterminable time intervals. It can also be provided that the calibration is repeated after a certain number of wavelength shifts have been performed.

[0113] For example, a permissible phase error, li for example < — can be specified. The phase difference A is determined via_4 = |n * A^ — n * A2 | as a function of A^ and A.2, so that a permissible number n of direction-dependent wavelength deviations can be determined. If the permissible number n of wavelength deviations is reached or exceeded, the calibration can be repeated.

[0114] It may be advantageous to reduce the power of the active laser light during the calibration process.

Claims

Patent claims Laser beam device (10) for irradiating a target object with effective laser radiation, wherein the laser beam device (10) comprises a beam steering and / or beam splitting device (14) for steering and / or splitting at least a portion of the effective laser radiation generated by an effective laser source (12) into at least one first and at least one second amplifier path (16-1, 16-2), and wherein a respective amplifier path (16-1, 16-2) comprises an amplifier device (18) for amplifying the effective laser radiation, and the laser beam device (10) is designed to irradiate the target object at least temporarily simultaneously with an effective laser beam emanating from the first amplifier path (16-1) and an effective laser beam emanating from the second amplifier path (16-2), characterized in that the laser beam device (10) comprises a calibration laser source (20) for generating calibration laser radiation,wherein a wavelength (X2) of the calibration laser radiation deviates from a wavelength (Xi) of the effective laser radiation, wherein the laser beam device (10) is designed such that at the beam steering and / or beam splitting device (14) at least a part of the calibration laser radiation generated by the calibration laser source (20) in the first and in the, second amplifier path (16-1, 16-2) can be divided and / or deflected, and a respective amplifier path (16-1, 16-2) comprises a wavelength-dependent coupling-out element (24, 24-1, 24-2) for coupling out at least a portion of the calibration laser light, and wherein the laser beam device (10) comprises means (26) for determining a phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path (16-1) and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path (16-2), and wherein at least one amplifier path (16-1) comprises at least one means (28) for shifting the phase of laser radiation, and the at least one means (28) for shifting the phase can be controlled as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path (16-1) and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path (16-2).Laser beam device (10) according to claim 1, wherein a respective amplifier path (16-1, 16-2) comprises at least one means (28) for shifting the phase of the laser radiation, and a respective means (28) can be controlled as a function of the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path (16-1) and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path (16-2). Laser beam device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one. Means (28) for shifting the phase of the laser radiation is or comprises a modulation device, in particular an electro-optical modulation device, EOM, in particular for modulating a phase.

4. Laser beam device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the decoupling element (24, 24-1) is arranged and designed such that at least a part of the calibration laser radiation can be decoupled from the amplifier path (16-1, 16-2) before it exits the amplifier path (16-1, 16-2) in the direction of the target object.

5. Laser beam device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling-out element (24, 24-2) is designed such that calibration laser radiation reflected at the target object can be coupled out of the amplifier path (16-1, 16-2).

6. Laser beam device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective amplifier path (16-1, 16-2) comprises at least one optical element, in particular a telescope (32) and / or a tip / tilt mirror (34), for directing laser radiation onto the target object.

7. Laser beam device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser beam device comprises at least one Beam combiner device (22) for combining the calibration laser radiation with the effective laser radiation, wherein the beam combiner device (22) is arranged such that the combining takes place before the splitting and / or deflection of the effective and / or calibration laser radiation into the at least two amplifier paths (16-1, 16-2).

8. Laser beam device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser beam device (10) comprises a modulation device (30) for modulating the calibration laser light, in particular for modulating an amplitude.

9. Method (300) for operating a laser beam device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the method (300) comprises at least the following steps: Generating (310) calibration laser radiation and directing and / or splitting at least a portion of the generated calibration laser radiation into at least a first and at least a second amplifier path, wherein in a respective amplifier path at least a portion of the calibration laser radiation is coupled out (320) by means of a wavelength-dependent coupling-out element; Determining (330) a phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, and depending on the phase of the calibration laser light of the first amplifier path and / or the calibration laser light of the second amplifier path, controlling (340) at least one means for modulating laser radiation.

10. Method (300) according to claim 9, wherein the method (300) comprises emitting effective laser radiation and the at least one means (28) for shifting the phase of the laser radiation is controlled such that a coherent superposition of the effective laser radiation is achieved when emitting effective laser radiation.

11. Method (300) according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the laser beam device (10) is operated at least temporarily such that only calibration laser radiation is emitted (300a).

12. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the laser beam device (10) is operated at least temporarily such that calibration laser radiation and effective laser radiation are emitted simultaneously (300b).

13. Method (300) according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the method comprises a step (360) for modulating the calibration laser light. Method (300) according to claim 13, wherein the Modulating includes a modulation of the amplitude, and the modulation is carried out as cw modulation and / or pulsed.

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