Systems and methods for coherent beam synthesis

Abstract

To provide multi-channel coherent beam combining (CBC).SOLUTION: Multi-Channel coherent beam combining using a reference optical beam and an array of optical detectors employs a mechanism for phase and / or polarization locking. Each detector is configured and located to detect overall intensity of an optical interference signal caused by interference of the reference beam and a beam of each channel, where the fast intensity per-channel detection allows simultaneous and quick phase / polarization locking of all channels for improving beam combining system performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for coherent beam combining incorporating phase locking and / or polarization locking mechanisms.

Background Art

[0002] High-power lasers near the diffraction limit, such as amplified fiber lasers (fiber amplifiers), have various scientific and industrial implementations and enable the achievement of high-power output optical signals with excellent beam quality. However, with a single fiber laser, maintaining the beam quality near its diffraction limit can be limited mainly by three physical phenomena: stimulated Brillouin scattering, stimulated Raman scattering, and mode thermal instability. To overcome these limitations, techniques for combining multiple optical beams are used, which combine multiple optical beams emitted from multiple fiber lasers into a single combined optical beam.

[0003] The techniques and system layouts used for combining multiple optical beams depend, inter alia, on the spectral coherence of these optical beams, and the combination of spectrally coherent optical beams known as coherent beam combining (CBC) can be performed by using a phased array (also known as "side-by-side CBC"), such as an array of collimators that collimate each of the separate optical beams. Other techniques for CBC involve the use of one or more diffraction grating elements (also known as "field aperture techniques").

[0004] The figures generally show, by way of example and not limitation, various embodiments discussed in this document.

[0005] To make the diagrams concise and clear, the elements shown are not necessarily drawn to a consistent scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated compared to others to make the presentation clearer. Furthermore, reference numbers may be repeated between diagrams to indicate corresponding or similar elements. References to previously presented elements are suggested without necessarily further citing the drawings or descriptions in which they appear. The diagrams are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1A] This shows the far-field (FF) beam distribution of the central branch curve (CBC) for multiple input optical beams with asynchronous phase and randomly oriented polarization. [Figure 1B] This shows the FF beam distribution of a CBC for multiple input optical beams with synchronized phase and regularly oriented polarization. [Figure 2] We present a CBC system 1000 for synthesizing M × N time-coherent input optical beams using a high-speed phase and polarization locking mechanism, according to several embodiments. [Figure 3A] This shows the FF beam distribution of a CBC for multiple input optical beams with asynchronous phase and randomly oriented polarization. [Figure 3B] The FF beam distribution of a CBC of multiple input optical beams having locked synchronized phase and locked regularly oriented polarization using a CBC system with a phase and polarization locking mechanism, according to several embodiments, is shown. [Figure 4A] Several embodiments of combined output optical beam steering are shown, based on reference optical beam steering using a CBC system with phase and / or polarization lock, where the reference optical beam has a plane wavefront and is propagated so that the combined output optical beam is operated to a zero steering angle. [Figure 4B]This describes several embodiments of combined output optical beam steering based on reference optical beam steering using a CBC system with phase and / or polarization lock, where the reference optical beam has a plane wavefront and is propagated so that the combined output optical beam is operated to a non-zero steering angle. [Figure 4C] Several embodiments of combined output optical beam steering are shown, based on reference optical beam steering using a CBC system with phase and / or polarization lock, where the reference optical beam has a parabolic wavefront and is propagated so that the combined output optical beam is operated to a zero steering angle. [Figure 4D] Several embodiments of combined output optical beam steering are shown, based on reference optical beam steering using a CBC system with phase and / or polarization lock, where the reference optical beam has a parabolic wavefront and is propagated so that the combined output optical beam is operated to a non-zero steering angle. [Figure 5A] The following describes a CBC system configured to enable phase and / or polarization locking, having a controllable phased array wavefront control mechanism including a number of phase control modules, according to several embodiments. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A shows a CBC system used for wavefront steering control in several embodiments. [Figure 5C] Figure 5A shows a CBC system used for wavefront collimation control in several embodiments. [Figure 6] The following describes a process for CBC phase locking according to several embodiments. [Figure 7] The following describes a process for CBC polarization locking according to several embodiments. [Figure 8] This document describes a wavefront control process for a composite output optical beam using a CBC system with wavefront control, according to several embodiments. [Figure 9] This illustrates the process of CBC system phase locking and combined output optical beam wavefront control based on received target data. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Coherent beam synthesis (CBC) aims to combine several time-coherent input optical beams having the same or overlapping wavelength bands into a single coherent combined optical beam of a single wavelength or narrow wavelength band. Implementing CBC often requires maintaining high beam quality, for example, enabling high, far-field (FF) spatial and / or spectral beam coherence.

[0008] In some cases, multiple optical amplifiers, such as fiber lasers (e.g., doped fibers), may be used to provide the input optical beam, enabling the induction of light emitted from one or more light sources and the power scaling of the light induced through them.

[0009] The terms “doped optical fiber” or “doped fiber” refer to any type of optical fiber doped with one or more elements, including but not limited to erbium, dysprosium, ytterbium, neodymium, thulium, praseodymium, and / or holmium.

[0010] As used herein (interchangeably), the terms “optical beam,” “light beam,” and / or “beam” may refer to any propagating electromagnetic signal, field, and / or wave in the optical wavelength range.

[0011] The term "beam quality" may refer to any one or more beam characteristics, including but not limited to wavefront (profile) quality, beam waist, beam radius, beam divergence, beam intensity / amplitude, beam brightness level (radiance), and phase shift (phase coherence), as well as / or the maintenance of these beam characteristics over time and / or distance.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “time-coherent optical beam” or “time-coherent input optical beam” may, for example, relate to multiple optical beams having correlated electromagnetic fields such that the frequency bandwidth Δf of the optical beams is inversely proportional to the time coherence time. For example, coherent optical beams may be time-coherent by having the same signal modulation, the same or overlapping frequency / wavelength, and / or the same or overlapping frequency / wavelength bandwidth.

[0013] To achieve high beam quality CBC in FF, the phase and polarization of the input optical beams to be combined should be controlled so that the phase / polarization is identical for all input optical beams, or so that the phases of the input optical beams are at a desired specific difference from each other (e.g., in the case of FF beam steering).

[0014] In many cases, the input optical beams have unknown phase and / or polarization, and the phase and / or polarization of each input optical beam can be unstable, i.e., change rapidly over time, causing phase asynchronousness between the input optical beams, which dramatically affects the FF beam quality of their combined optical beam.

[0015] The light source(s) and optical waveguide used as the source of the input optical beam, such as a fiber laser, can be highly sensitive to environmental conditions and / or changes in those conditions such as vibration, shaking, and temperature. As a result, under some environmental conditions, the phase of the input optical beam can change significantly, ranging from every few milliseconds to every few microseconds. Typically, the polarization changes over a range of every few seconds to every tenth of a second under unstable conditions. The phase of the input optical beam typically changes several times faster than the rate of change in polarization when under unstable conditions.

[0016] Figure 1A shows the CBC FF beam distribution of multiple input optical beams with asynchronous phase and randomly oriented polarization. In this case, it is clear that the FF wavefront of the combined beam will show a distribution of scattered light without a central lobe.

[0017] FIG. 1B shows the FF beam distribution of the CBC of a number of input optical beams having synchronized phases and regularly oriented polarizations. In this case, it is clear that the FF wavefront of the combined beam shows a central lobe that concentrates most of the FF power of the combined optical beam into a spot size at a much smaller angle, resulting in a high-quality wavefront spatial distribution.

[0018] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for a CBC that incorporates a closed-loop parallel phase-locking mechanism and / or a parallel polarization-locking mechanism that provides high-speed phase and / or polarization locking to provide high-quality and high-power CBCs that can withstand various environments and other conditions that cause rapid phase and / or polarization changes, as well as changes in such conditions.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the CBC system and method enables the combination of a number of input optical beams (defining a number of channels) with automatic multi-channel closed-loop phase and / or polarization locking, for example by using one or more reference optical beams and a number of optical detectors, where the phase and / or polarization locking is based entirely on intensity readings from the optical detectors and does not require the calculation of optimal phases and / or polarizations for each channel, thereby enabling rapid phase and / or polarization locking.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the system is configured for the CBC of an M×N array of a number of temporally coherent input optical beams defining M×N channels, where each channel can be defined as all the conversions of a respective single input optical beam, and M and / or N are non-zero integers, M indicates the number of rows in the array, and N indicates the number of columns in the array.

[0021] Phase / polarization locking can be performed, for example, simultaneously and separately for all channels, in a continuous parallel closed-loop manner.

[0022] According to some embodiments, CBC systems and methods are It provides M×N arrays of time-coherent input optical beams and a reference optical beam. M × N output optical beams are generated corresponding to M × N input optical beams, such that the output optical beams propagate parallel to a first propagation direction (for example, by using an array of M × N collimating elements). Each first portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, and each second portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a second propagation direction and divided so that it can be used as a sample optical beam. The reference optical beam is directed so that it interferes with the sample optical beam, generating multiple corresponding optical interference signals. The system provides a plurality of M × N optical detectors, each arranged and configured to simultaneously and continuously generate a power output value indicating the detected intensity of each optical interference signal, by measuring the overall intensity of each optical interference signal. The phase of each input optical beam is automatically and independently changed while comparing the measured power output value of its corresponding optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value generated by each optical detector. The phase of the input optical beam is locked when the extreme (maximum or minimum) power output value of each optical interference signal is reached. It can be configured in this way.

[0023] The above process may be carried out so that the system phase-locks each channel separately when the maximum intensity of the respective interference optical signal is reached, which is caused by constructive interference between the reference optical beam and each sample optical beam, or when the minimum intensity of the respective interference optical signal is reached, which is caused by canceling interference between the reference optical beam and each sample optical beam.

[0024] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments are systems for coherent beam synthesis (CBC), A light source that generates a source optical beam, A beam splitting mechanism configured to split a source optical beam into an array of M × N time-coherent input optical beams and a reference optical beam, An array of M × N collimating elements configured to direct each input optical beam through a separate collimating element, wherein the collimating elements generate M × N output optical beams corresponding to the input optical beams passed through the collimating elements, such that the output optical beams are parallel to each other and define a first propagation direction. A beam splitting element configured to split each of the output optical beams such that each first portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, and each second portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a second propagation direction and used as a sample optical beam, Multiple optical detectors, each arranged and configured to measure the overall intensity of its respective optical interference signal and output a corresponding power output value, A control subsystem is configured to continuously receive measured power output values ​​from each optical detector, and to change the phase of each input optical beam while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value from each optical detector, and to lock the phase of the input optical beam when the extreme power output value of each optical interference signal is reached. We provide a system that may include this.

[0025] According to some embodiments, changing the phase of each input optical beam can be done directly based on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal, without calculating or estimating the exact phase and / or generating any other signals associated therewith.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the system may be configured to lock the phase and / or polarization of each channel for all channels only with respect to a single extreme type, i.e., all channels are locked when their respective maximum intensity is reached or when their respective minimum intensity is reached.

[0027] According to some embodiments, changing the phase and / or polarization of each input optical beam is performed directly on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal, without precise phase / polarization calculation, estimation, or prior knowledge, and / or without generating any other associated signals. This means that only the identification (e.g., by comparison) of the maximum / minimum intensity of each channel is used to automatically lock the phase / polarization of each channel. For example, the phase of each input optical signal may be shifted upward or downward in equal phase steps that differ from each other by a phase shift span Δφ, and for each phase shift, the intensity of each interference optical signal of the channel is measured to find the extreme value of the intensity of each channel within the time span. According to some embodiments, the phase shift span Δφ may be selectively controllable and / or adjustable.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the phase / polarization locking mechanism may be configured such that the updated intensity reading (i.e., the last power output value of each detector) is compared to only one consecutive, previously measured intensity reading of each optical detector in each channel. In other embodiments, several previously measured intensity readings of each channel within a given detection time span may be used to identify extreme intensity values.

[0029] Terms such as "reading," "detector(single or multiple) reading," "intensity reading(single or multiple)," and "intensity value" can refer to and be used interchangeably with the term "power output value(single or multiple)" of an optical detector(s).

[0030] According to some embodiments, the extreme values ​​may be identified only after the phase has been shifted several times within a particular (short) time span (e.g., microseconds), and the extreme values ​​are selected from several measured intensities.

[0031] According to some embodiments, in order to lock the phase of a particular input optical beam, the system may be configured to shift the phase upward or downward from its last state by increasing or decreasing the phase by a phase shift span Δφ to reach a phase location (here, the “extreme phase”) that provides a detector reading of maximum intensity, while checking whether the intensity has increased (if a desired maximum extremum is achieved).

[0032] According to some embodiments, the polarization of the input optical beam can be linear or elliptic, and a polarization control mechanism (i.e., a "polarization lock mechanism") can be configured for linear or elliptic polarization control.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the CBC process may further include controlling one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the combined output optical beam, such as the far-field (FF) distribution of the wavefront, the FF position of the central lobe that can be formed by the combined output optical beam, the focusing characteristics of the central lobe, the spatial configuration of the wavefront, and environmental optical aberration correction.

[0034] In some embodiments, control of one or more wavefront characteristics can be performed by controlling the direction of the wavefront of the reference optical beam (beam steering). Beam steering can be performed, for example, by mechanically moving the output end of the optical waveguide from which the reference optical beam is output, and / or by mechanically changing the relative arrangement between the output end of the optical waveguide and the focusing lens located in the path of the reference optical beam.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the control of one or more wavefront characteristics may be performed using an M × N array of phase control modules (PCMs), each PCM being arranged and configured to control the phase of different portions of a reference optical beam interfering with its respective sample optical beam.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the PCM used may be electronically controllable and / or digitally controllable. For example, a liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM) may be used as a phased array wavefront control PCM to provide a low-power, electronically controllable PCM. In other cases, an array of electronically and / or mechanically controllable steering mirrors may be used.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the control of one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the synthesized output optical beam can be performed according to the FF position of the target to which the synthesized optical beam will be directed.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the position of the target relative to the composite output beam position (e.g., distance and angular arrangement) may be detectable, for example, by using a target detection device or system configured to detect at least the position of the target (e.g., a 3D detector) and optionally other characteristic values ​​of the target such as target type, velocity, and material composition, and to transmit target-related data (also referred to herein as "target data") indicating the target characteristic values ​​to the CBC system for wavefront control based at least on the received target-related data.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the phase and / or polarization of the reference optical beam (φref and Pref, respectively) can be constant, i.e., have a rate of change substantially slower than the rate of change of the phase and / or polarization of the input optical beam, or do not exhibit a change in phase and / or polarization over time.

[0040] According to some embodiments, phase locking can be performed by synchronizing the phases of all input optical beams with the phase of the reference optical beam, for example by making them equal to the phase φref of the reference optical beam, or, in the case of wavefront steering, by shifting each phase of each channel with respect to one or more adjacent channels by a desired shift rate Δφsteer.

[0041] For example, if a radiation angle θbeam,x is desired (assuming only the x-direction is processed and the distance between adjacent segments is equal across the M×N array along both the x and y directions), the following phase distribution is required:

number

[0042] In the equation, Δxseg is the size of the segment at the array system output, and λlaser is the wavelength of the laser (light source). The same holds for the case where the tilted beam θbeam,y is desired in the y direction:

number

[0043] Here, the maximum phase difference between adjacent segments should be less than 2π.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the input optical beam and the reference optical beam may be emitted from the same single light source or from different light sources.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the input optical beam may be emitted from a single light source or from multiple light sources.

[0046] Referring here to Figure 2, several embodiments of the CBC system 1000 for synthesizing M × N time-coherent input optical beams (IOBs) using a high-speed phase and polarization locking mechanism are schematically shown.

[0047] The CBC System 1000 is, A single light source 1100 configured to output light of a single wavelength λ0 or a narrow wavelength band Λλ0, A beam splitting mechanism for splitting the output light from the light source 1100 into a reference optical beam (ROB) 1210 and M × N IOBs 1110. An array of M × N phase shifters (PS) 1800, where each PSij is configured to control the phase of each (different) IOBij of each ij channel, An array of M × N polarization controllers (PCs) 1850, where each PCij is configured to control the polarization of each (different) IOBij of each ij channel, An array of M × N collimating elements (CE) 1300, wherein each CEij is arranged and configured to collimate each IOBij of each different ij channel, A beam splitter 1400 configured and positioned to simultaneously split M × N incoming IOBs 1110 into M × N sample optical beams (SOBs) 1221 and a combined output optical beam (COOB) 1900, wherein the COOB 1900 is oriented toward a first propagation direction defining axis x, the SOB 1221 is oriented toward a second propagation direction defining axis y at an angle to axis x (where x may be perpendicular to y), and the ROB 1210 can be oriented along the y-axis defined by the propagation direction of the SOB 1221 so as to allow the SOB 1221 to optically interfere with the ROB 1210. An array of M × N optical detectors, such as point detectors (PDs) 1600, wherein each PDij is configured and positioned to detect the intensity of each optical interference signal (OIS), i.e., OISij, which is a signal formed by optical interference between each SOBij and ROB 1210, and each PDij may be configured to output a power output value indicating the measured intensity of each channel ij at each time. A control subsystem 1700 is associated with an M×N array of PD 1600, PS 1800, and PC 1850 to enable continuous and parallel reception of power output values ​​from each PD 1600 and to control the phase and / or polarization of each channel based on the respective received power output values. It may include.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the control subsystem 1700 may include an array of M × N processing modules (PMs), each PMij configured to receive the power output value of its respective PDij and to control the phase and polarization of its respective IOBij via its respective PCij and PSij based on the power output value received from its respective PDij.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the phase and / or polarization control of each IOBij can be performed by gradually increasing or decreasing the phase and / or gradually changing the polarization state, for example, to provide an increase in intensity (power output value) at the PDij reading, in order to lock the phase and / or polarization when the maximum interference optical signal value is reached. This can be done by comparing the current PDij reading with one or more previously measured intensities of each ij channel. According to some embodiments, this can be done by regressing from the current phase and / or polarization value after passing the intensity extremum.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the control subsystem 1700 may include one or more processing, control, and / or memory modules for enabling (temporary and / or long-term) storage of current and previously measured power output values ​​of each PD, processing the received power output values ​​for identifying the extreme phase and / or polarization of each channel, and / or for identifying the optimal (locked) phase / polarization, and for controlling the PC 1850 and / or PS 1800 for phase / polarization locking of each channel by sending control commands that indicate only an increase / decrease in the direction of the phase / polarization shift, for example.

[0051] According to some embodiments, phase and / or polarization control may also include controlling the phase and / or polarization shift span. For example, the phase shift span may be reduced once a region where extreme intensities exist is identified in order to fine-tune the phase lock.

[0052] According to some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the CBC system 1000 is, A first optical waveguide 1101, which may be an optical fiber, is connected to one output node of a light source 1100 and is configured to guide light from the light source 1100, the light induced by the first optical waveguide 1101, to a beam splitting device 1102 configured to split the light into M × N IOBs 1110 by having, for example, M × N optical fibers that guide M × N IOBs 1110, and A second optical waveguide 1201, such as a second optical fiber, is connected to a second output node of a light source 1100 and is configured to guide light to its distal fiber end, which can be held by a ferrule holder element 1203 for outputting ROB 1210. A reference beam collimator 1205, such as one or more collimating lenses, mirrors, and / or diffractive optical elements (DOEs), is positioned relative to the output end of a second optical waveguide, for example, the edge of a holder element 1203, such that the ROB 1210 is collimated (for example, by positioning the reference beam collimator 1205 at the focal plane and / or focal point of the reference beam collimator 1205). This may further include:

[0053] According to some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the CBC system 1000 may further include M × N arrays of sampling collimating elements (SCEs) 1500, each SCEij being positioned and configured to enhance (for example, by focusing) the optical signal received on each PDij resulting from the interference between the SOBij and ROB 1210 of each ij channel.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the light source 1100 may include any type of light source capable of outputting light in a single wavelength and / or a single narrow wavelength band, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), a monochromatic and / or tunable laser device.

[0055] According to some embodiments, each PSij may be configured to control the phase of each IOBij by being electronically and / or computer-controlled, for example, by configuring its respective PMij to change its phase based on a received signal power value, input voltage, or current value applied to its respective PSij. The received signal power value may only indicate the direction of the phase shift (increase or decrease).

[0056] According to some embodiments, each PMij may be configured to control the polarization of each IOBij by being electronically and / or computer-controlled, for example, by configuring each PMij to change its polarization based on the received signal power value, input voltage, or current value applied to each PMij. The received signal power value may only indicate a polarization shift state (e.g., in the case of elliptic polarization, a change in ellipticity and / or the angle of the polarization vector(s)).

[0057] According to some embodiments, each PSij may include any type of phase-shifting device and / or element configured to receive a control command (e.g., input power / voltage change) and, accordingly, shift the phase of each IOBij within a time span faster than the rate of change of the natural IOB phase. PS 1800 may include, for example, a spatial light modulator (SLM), a device including an electrically / electronically controllable variable mirror, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) such as a microelectromechanical optical system (e.g., a mirror).

[0058] According to some embodiments, each PCij may include any type of polarization control device and / or element configured to receive a control command (e.g., input power / voltage change) and, accordingly, change the polarization state of each IOBij, preferably within a time span faster than the natural polarization rate of the IOB. The PC 1850 may include, for example, a piezoelectric element(s)-based controller, a LiNO2(LN) controller, and the like.

[0059] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the effects resulting from using a high-speed CBC system with a phase-locking mechanism as shown above. Figure 3A shows the FF beam distribution resulting from CBC of multiple input optical beams with asynchronous phase and polarization, while Figure 3B shows the results from using a high-speed CBC system with a phase-locking mechanism.

[0060] Referring here to Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, wavefront control mechanisms for the COOB 1900 are shown, according to several embodiments, which enable beam steering of the COOB 1900 by controlling the relative arrangement between the reference beam collimator 1205 and the holder element 1203 that holds the output node of the second optical waveguide 1201 that guides the reference optical beam (ROB).

[0061] Figure 4A shows a ROB with a plane wavefront that propagates along the y-axis. In this case, both the holder element 1203 and the reference beam collimator 1205 are positioned so that the plane ROB propagates along the axis y, where the focal point of the reference beam collimator 1205 is also located. In this configuration, all SOBs are oriented parallel to the direction of ROB propagation through the same optical path length (OPL), and when the CBC system 1000 is operating, the phase and / or polarization of all channels will automatically lock to the same phase and / or polarization, resulting in a COOB 1900 with a plane wavefront that is operated (oriented) parallel to the x-axis (perpendicular to the direction of the ROB).

[0062] Figure 4B shows a ROB with a plane wavefront that propagates at an angle to the y-axis, for example, at a non-zero angle β with respect to the y-axis. In this case, the resulting COOB will be tilted at angle β.

[0063] In this case, the holder element 1203 is positioned shifted a distance from the axis defined by the focal point of the reference beam collimator 1205, for example, by shifting the holder element 1203 and / or the reference beam collimator 1205 along the x-axis. In this configuration, each SOB in each j column of the M×N channels interferes with an angularly shifted ROB that is oriented through a different optical path length (OPL). In this case, when the CBC system 1000 is operating, the phase and / or polarization of adjacent channels in each column j are Δxsteering=Fl·β According to this, it will automatically lock to different phases and / or polarizations. In the formula, Fl is the focal length of the beam collimator 1205. The automatic phase difference between adjacent channels (segments) is:

number

[0064] Figure 4C shows a ROB with a parabolic wavefront that propagates parabolic symmetrically with respect to the y-axis. In this case, both the holder element 1203 and the reference beam collimator 1205 are positioned so that the parabolic ROB propagates symmetrically with respect to the axis y, where the focal point of the reference beam collimator 1205 is also located. In this configuration, when the CBC system 1000 is operating, the phase and / or polarization of all channels will automatically lock to the optimal phase and / or polarization, resulting in a COOB 1900 with a parabolic wavefront that is operated (directed) parallel to the x-axis (perpendicular to the direction of the ROB).

[0065] Figure 4D shows a ROB with a parabolic wavefront that propagates symmetrically with respect to an axis w that forms a non-zero angle β with the y-axis. In this case, the foci of the holder element 1203 and the reference beam collimator 1205 can be shifted from each other by sh1 along the x-axis and sh2 along the y-axis. This can be achieved by shifting (moving) the holder element 1203 and / or the reference beam collimator 1205 along the x-axis and y-axis.

[0066] In this configuration, when the CBC system 1000 is in operation, the phase and / or polarization of the channels in each column j automatically lock to the optimal phase and / or polarization, resulting in COOB 1900 having a parabolic wavefront that is operated (directed) at an angle to the x and / or y axes.

[0067] According to some implementations, in order to enable wavefront control operations, the CBC system 1000 may further include a steering mechanism that enables the control (e.g., electronic and / or computer-based control) of one or more mechanical elements and / or devices to physically change the relative position between the focal axis of the reference beam collimator 1205 and the initial ROB output direction when the reference beam exits the optical waveguide output node.

[0068] Referring here to Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, a CBC system 2000 is shown, configured to control the wavefront of a composite output optical beam by using an electronically controllable phased array wavefront control mechanism including a number of PCM 2850s, according to several embodiments, thereby enabling phase and / or polarization locking.

[0069] The CBC system 2000 provides and controls an array of M × N IOBs 2110, and controls each phase and / or polarization of each distinct IOB, for example, by using a control subsystem 2700 operably associated with them via an array of M × N PSs 2800 and PCs 2850, respectively, while including any mechanism for directing the IOBs 2110 toward a beam splitter 2400 (for example, by using an array of M × N collimating elements 2300) to split them into an array of M × N SOBs propagating in a first propagation direction along the x' axis and an array of M × N SOBs propagating along a second propagation direction (for example, perpendicular to the first propagation direction and parallel to the axis y').

[0070] The CBC system 2000 may further include an M×N array of electronically and / or computer-controlled PCM 2001, an M×N array of PD 2600, a reference optical beam source 2201, a reference beam collimator 2205, and an output collimator 2002 configured to focus the COOB 2900.

[0071] The PCM 2001 may be positioned between the beam splitter 2400 and the reference beam source 2201 (for example, after the reference beam collimator 2205) to phase-shift each portion of the reference optical beam (here, the reference optical beam (ROB) for each ij channel (i.e., ROBij)) in a separately controllable manner, for example, to enable beam steering of the COOB 2900.

[0072] The PCM 2001 may include, for example, liquid crystal SLMs that are individually electronically controllable and allow different phases to be set for each ROB in each channel, in order to enable beam steering of the COOB 2900.

[0073] Phase and / or polarization locking can be achieved by closed-loop iterative modification of the phase and / or polarization of each IOBij based on the intensity reading from its associated PDij, such that the phase and / or polarization of each channel ij is locked when the intensity reading of each PDij of the channel reaches its maximum / minimum intensity value. For example, the maximum intensity value of each channel ij can be achieved when the interference between each IOBij and ROBij is perfectly constructive and produces the respective maximum intensity of OISij.

[0074] For example, if target 20 is located in the FF from the CBC system 2000 on the x'z' plane (as shown in Figure 5B), and the target is at the 0,0,0 position on the x'y'z' axis (where x' is defined, for example, by the propagation direction of COOB 2900), then the phases of all IOBs should be equal to each other. In this case, the PCM can be set so that the phases of all ROBs are equal to each other, allowing the CBC system 2000 to automatically lock each of the IOBs 2110 when they reach the extreme intensity value of their respective OIS. If the target is at a shifted position, for example, a position shifted by d from the 0,0,0 position on the x'y'z' axis (for example, the 0,d,0 position as shown in Figure 5B), the phase of the ROB in each column N can be set to different values ​​to manipulate the wavefront of the COOB 2900 to the target 20 position 0,d,0 by automatically locking each of the IOB 2110s to an optimal (different) phase value when they reach their corresponding maximum / minimum OIS intensity values.

[0075] According to some embodiments, one or more output beam collimating devices 2002, such as focusing lenses, may be used to enable control of the focusing position, such as the focal length of the COOB 2900.

[0076] If the wavefront control of COOB 2900 requires, or alternatively, focusing control of the COOB wavefront by, for example, controlling the focus or focal plane of COOB 2900, the output beam collimating device 2002 may be able to mechanically shift the relative arrangement of one or more of its collimating elements (e.g., lenses) in an electronically and / or computer-controllable manner.

[0077] Figure 5C shows an exemplary case in which the target 20 may be positioned along the x' axis at a focal length D1 of the output beam collimating device 2002, or it may be shifted along the x' axis by a distance D2, in which case the output beam collimating device 2002 may be adjusted (for example, by electronically controlling the relative arrangement of several lenses) to focus the COOB 2900 at focal length D2.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the CBC system 2000 may further include M × N arrays of sampling collimating elements (SCEs) 2500, each SCEij being positioned and configured to focus the light resulting from the interference between SOBij and ROBij 1210 of its respective ij channel onto its respective PDij.

[0079] According to some embodiments, both IOB 2110 and ROB may originate from a single monochromatic light source, such as light source 2100.

[0080] Referring now to Figure 6, several embodiments of the process for CBC phase locking are shown. The process is as follows: To provide M × N arrays of time-coherent input optical beams and a reference optical beam (61), (62) Generating M × N output optical beams corresponding to M × N input optical beams such that the output optical beams propagate along a first propagation direction, (63) Dividing each of the output optical beams such that each first portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, and each second portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a second propagation direction and used as a sample optical beam. The reference optical beam is directed such that it interferes with the sample optical beam and generates multiple optical interference signals (64), The present invention provides a plurality of M × N optical detectors, each arranged and configured to measure the intensity of each of the multiple optical interference signals and simultaneously and continuously generate a corresponding power output value (65), The phase of each input optical beam is changed automatically and separately, while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value generated by each optical detector, wherein the phase of each input optical beam is changed based directly on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal (66) When the extreme power output value of each optical interference signal is reached, the phase of each input optical beam is locked (67) It may include.

[0081] Referring now to Figure 7, several embodiments of the process for CBC polarization locking are shown. The process is as follows: To provide M × N arrays of time-coherent input optical beams and a reference optical beam (71), (72) Generating M × N output optical beams corresponding to M × N input optical beams such that the output optical beams propagate along a first propagation direction, Dividing each of the output optical beams such that each first portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, and each second portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a second propagation direction and used as a sample optical beam (73), The reference optical beam is directed such that it interferes with the sample optical beam and generates multiple optical interference signals (74), The present invention provides a plurality of M × N optical detectors, each arranged and configured to measure the intensity of each of the multiple optical interference signals and simultaneously and continuously generate a corresponding power output value (75), The polarization of each input optical beam is changed automatically and separately, while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value generated by each optical detector, wherein the change in the polarization of each input optical beam is performed directly based on the measured power output value of each optical interference signal (76) When the extreme power output value of each optical interference signal is reached, the polarization of each input optical beam is locked (77) It may include.

[0082] Referring to Figure 8, several embodiments of a wavefront control process using a CBC system with wavefront control are shown. This process is For example, receiving target data that indicates one or more target characteristic values, such as target placement and motion characteristic values ​​(such as velocity) (81), Determining the values(s)(s) of control parameters(s)(s) for COOB wavefront control (for example, determining the values ​​of focus and / or steering-related parameters for focusing and / or operating the COOB toward a target based on target placement target data) (82), For example, controlling the wavefront of the COOB based on the value(s) of a determined control parameter(s) by generating and transmitting control commands and / or control signals for electronic / computer control of a focusing device and / or steering mechanism that can controlly change the phase of each portion of the reference optical beam or each reference optical beam(s), (83) The process of automatically and independently changing the phase and / or polarization of each input optical beam, while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value generated by each optical detector, wherein the phase / polarization of each input optical beam is changed based directly on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal (84) When the respective optical interference signals reach their extreme power output values, the phase and / or polarization of each input optical beam is locked (85) It may include.

[0083] Referring to Figure 9, an embodiment of the process for CBC system phase locking and COOB wavefront control based on received target data is shown, using M×N channels and M×N PCMs. This process is The process involves receiving target data and, based on the received target data, setting the phase of each reference optical beam using, for example, an M × N array of PCMs (91), For each IJ channel, (92) receiving the current intensity reading of PDij (at time tc), To store the current reading of the received PDij (93), If the intensity reading for each channel is not the first (94), the received PDij intensity reading is compared with one or more previously received PDij intensity readings (e.g., a limited number of previous intensity readings acquired within a limited time span) (95) to check whether the current intensity reading is higher or lower than at least one of the one or more previously received intensity readings for each channel's ij (96), If the optimal phase of IOBij that provides extreme intensity readings within a time span is identified (96), then the optimal phase is locked (97), If an optimal phase is not determined, the direction of phase change (e.g., increase or decrease) is determined, and the phase of each IOBij is changed (98). It may include.

[0084] Steps 92-98 may be repeated for each channel at predetermined time spans in order to lock each channel to its optimal phase in a fast and efficient manner.

[0085] According to some embodiments, all of the above-described phase and / or polarization locking mechanisms enable extremely fast and efficient phase / polarization locking, allowing the phase / polarization to be locked within a lock time (Tlock) that is faster than or equal to the rate of change of the phase / polarization of the input optical beam, regardless of environmental or other conditions affecting the phase / polarization value instability (e.g., change, and / or rate of change) of the input optical beam.

[0086] Examples Example 1 is a method for coherent beam synthesis (CBC), Generating a source optical beam using a light source, The source optical beam is divided into M × N arrays of time-coherent input optical beams and a reference optical beam. The process involves generating M×N output optical beams corresponding to M×N input optical beams, such that the output optical beams propagate along a first propagation direction, Dividing each output optical beam such that each first portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, and each second portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a second propagation direction and used as a sample optical beam, The reference optical beam is directed so that it interferes with the sample optical beam, generating multiple corresponding optical interference signals. To provide a plurality of M × N optical detectors, each arranged and configured to measure the overall intensity of its respective optical interference signal and generate a power output value indicating the detected overall intensity of that respective optical interference signal, The phase of each input optical beam is to be changed automatically and independently, while comparing the measured power output value of its corresponding optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value generated by each optical detector, wherein the phase of each input optical beam is changed directly based on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal, without calculating or estimating the exact phase and / or generating any other signals associated therewith. When each of these optical interference signals reaches its extreme power output value, the phase of the input optical beam is locked. Includes, The generation of optical interference signals, measurement of power output values ​​of multiple optical detectors, and phase locking are performed continuously and simultaneously for all M×N input and output optical beams and optical interference signals. It is a method.

[0087] In Example 2, the subject of Example 1 may be performed by changing the phase of each input optical beam using M × N phase shifters (PS), each PS configured to change the phase of its respective input optical beam, and M × N control modules (CM), each CM associated with a different PS and corresponding optical detector, and configured to repeatedly send control commands to its associated PS based on power output values ​​received from its respective optical detector.

[0088] In Example 3, the subject of Example 2 may include a control command for each input PS that instructs each PS to increase or decrease only in the direction of the respective phase, such that the phase of the respective input optical beam increases or decreases by a predetermined and / or controllable phase shift span Δφ.

[0089] In Example 4, one or more of the themes from Examples 1 to 3 may include the step of generating an output optical beam being performed using an array of M × N collimating elements to separately collimate each of the input optical beams.

[0090] In Example 5, one or more of the themes from Examples 1 to 4 may further include a method that controls one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the synthesized output optical beam.

[0091] In Example 6, the subject of Example 5 is that one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the combined output optical beam are Far-field (FF) distribution of wavefronts, The FF position of the central lobe that can be formed by the combined output optical beam, Focusing characteristics of the central lobe, Spatial configuration of wavefronts, Environmental optical aberration correction This includes including one or more of the following.

[0092] In Example 7, one or more themes from Examples 5 to 6 may include the control of one or more wavefront characteristics by controlling the direction of the wavefront of the reference optical beam.

[0093] In Example 8, the subject of Example 7 is the control of the wavefront of the reference optical beam. Mechanically moving the output end of the optical waveguide from which the reference optical beam is output, and / or Mechanically changing the relative position between the output end of the optical waveguide and the focusing lens located within the path of the reference optical beam. This may include being performed by [a specific method / system].

[0094] In Example 9, one or more themes from Examples 5 to 6 may include the control of one or more wavefront characteristics being performed using an M × N array of phase control modules (PCMs), where each PCM is arranged and configured to control the phase of different portions of a reference optical beam interfering with its respective sample optical beam.

[0095] In Example 10, the subject of Example 9 may include the fact that the M × N arrays of PCMs are electronically controllable and / or digitally controllable.

[0096] In Example 11, the subject of Example 10 may include the provision that the M × N array of PCMs comprises an M × N array of spatial light modulators.

[0097] In Example 12, one or more themes from Examples 5 to 11 may include controlling one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the synthesized output optical beam according to the FF position of the target.

[0098] In Example 13, one or more subjects from Examples 1 to 12 may further include a method that controls the polarization of each input optical beam based on the received power output value of its respective optical interference signal.

[0099] In Example 14, the subject of Example 13 is the control of the polarization of each input optical beam. The process includes the steps of automatically and independently changing the polarization of each input optical beam while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value from each optical detector, and locking the polarization of each input optical beam when it reaches an extreme power output value from each optical detector, wherein the changing of the polarization of each input optical beam is performed directly on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal without calculating or estimating the exact polarization and / or generating any other signals associated therewith. It may include.

[0100] In Example 15, one or more of the themes from Examples 1 to 14 may further include a method that controlsly focuses a combined output optical beam using a controllable output beam collimating device.

[0101] Example 16 is a system for coherent beam synthesis (CBC), - A light source that generates a source optical beam, - A beam splitting mechanism configured to split a source optical beam into an array of M × N time-coherent input optical beams and a reference optical beam, - An array of M × N collimating elements configured to direct each input optical beam through a separate collimating element, wherein the collimating elements generate M × N output optical beams corresponding to the input optical beams passed through the collimating elements, such that the output optical beams are parallel to each other and define a first propagation direction. - A beam splitting element configured to split each of the output optical beams such that each first portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, and each second portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a second propagation direction and used as a sample optical beam, - An array of M × N optical detectors, each arranged and configured to measure the overall intensity of its respective optical interference signal and output a power output value corresponding to the overall intensity of its respective optical interference signal, - A control subsystem configured to continuously receive measured power output values ​​from each optical detector, and to change the phase of each input optical beam while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value from each optical detector, and to lock the phase of the input optical beam when the extreme power output value of each optical interference signal is reached. Equipped with, The phase of each input optical beam is changed directly based on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal, without calculating or estimating the exact phase and / or generating any other associated signals. The generation of optical interference signals, measurement of the outputs of multiple optical detectors, and phase locking are performed continuously and simultaneously for all M×N input and output optical beams and optical interference signals. It is a system.

[0102] In Example 17, the subject of Example 16 is the control subsystem, A phase shifter comprising M × N phase shifters (PS), each PS configured to change the phase of a different input optical beam, A control module comprising M × N processing modules (PMs), each PM configured to receive power output values ​​from different optical detectors and repeatedly control the associated PSs. This may include having one or more of the following:

[0103] In Example 18, one or more of the themes from Examples 16 to 17 are described as follows: A reference optical fiber for guiding a reference beam, wherein the optical fiber has an input end for receiving light from a light source and an output end from which the reference beam is emitted, A reference beam collimator is positioned to collimate the reference optical beam before it interferes with the sample optical beam. This may include one or more of the above.

[0104] In Example 19, one or more of the themes from Examples 16 to 18 may further include a wavefront control mechanism configured to control one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the combined output optical beam.

[0105] In Example 20, the subject of Example 19 is that one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the combined output optical beam are Far-field (FF) distribution of wavefronts, The FF position of the central lobe that can be formed by the combined output optical beam, Focusing characteristics of the central lobe, Spatial configuration of wavefronts, Environmental optical aberration correction This may include including one or more of the following.

[0106] In Example 21, one or more of the themes from Examples 19 to 20 may include a wavefront control mechanism configured to control the relative arrangement between the reference optical fiber output end and the reference beam collimator for steering control of the combined output optical beam.

[0107] In Example 22, one or more of the themes from Examples 19 to 20 may further include a system comprising an M × N array of phase control modules (PCMs), each PCM being arranged and configured to control the phase of different portions of a reference optical beam interfering with its respective sample optical beam.

[0108] In Example 23, the subject of Example 22 may include the fact that M × N arrays of PCMs are electronically controllable and / or digitally controllable by a control subsystem or a separate controller.

[0109] In Example 24, the subject of Example 23 may include the provision that the M × N array of PCMs comprises an M × N array of spatial light modulators (SLMs).

[0110] In Example 25, one or more themes from Examples 19 to 24 may include controlling one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the combined output optical beam according to the FF position of the target.

[0111] In Example 26, one or more of the themes from Examples 16 to 25 may further include a system which comprises M × N polarization controllers (PCs), each PC associated with a different PM and configured to control the polarization of each input optical beam based on its respective measured power output value and received power output value.

[0112] In Example 27, the subject of Example 26 is the control of the polarization of each input optical beam. The polarization of each input optical beam is automatically and independently changed while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value of each optical interference signal. When each of these optical interference signals reaches its extreme power output value, the polarization of each input optical beam is locked. Includes, The polarization of each input optical beam is changed directly based on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal, without calculating or estimating the exact polarization and / or generating any other associated signals. This could include the following.

[0113] In Example 28, one or more of the themes from Examples 16 to 27 may further include a focusing device configured and positioned to controllably focus a combined output optical beam.

[0114] In Example 29, one or more of the themes from Examples 16 to 28 may further include an array of M × N optical waveguides, each configured to guide a different input optical beam and / or output optical beam through it.

[0115] In Example 30, the subject of Example 29 may include optical waveguides being optical fibers, fiber amplifiers, and doped fibers.

[0116] Example 31 is a method for coherent beam synthesis (CBC), To provide M × N arrays of time-coherent input optical beams, To provide a reference optical beam, The process involves generating M×N output optical beams corresponding to M×N input optical beams, such that the output optical beams propagate along a first propagation direction, Dividing each output optical beam such that each first portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, and each second portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a second propagation direction and used as a sample optical beam, The reference optical beam is directed so that it interferes with the sample optical beam, generating multiple optical interference signals. Each of them measures the overall intensity of each of the multiple optical interference signals, To provide a plurality of M × N optical detectors arranged and configured to generate power output values ​​corresponding to the overall intensity of each optical interference signal, The phase of each input optical beam is changed automatically and independently, while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value generated by each optical detector, wherein the phase change of each input optical beam is performed directly based on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal. When each of these optical interference signals reaches its extreme power output value, the phase of the input optical beam is locked. Includes, The generation of optical interference signals, measurement of the outputs of multiple optical detectors, and phase locking are performed continuously and simultaneously for all M×N input and output optical beams and optical interference signals. It is a method.

[0117] Example 32 is a system for coherent beam synthesis (CBC), An array of M × N time-coherent input optical beams, Reference optical beam and, An array of M × N collimating elements configured to direct each input optical beam through a separate collimating element, wherein the collimating elements generate M × N output optical beams corresponding to the input optical beams passed through the collimating elements, such that the output optical beams are parallel to each other and define a first propagation direction. A beam splitting element configured to split each of the output optical beams such that each first portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, each second portion of the output optical beam is directed toward a second propagation direction, used as a sample optical beam, directed to interfere with a reference optical beam, and generates multiple optical interference signals. Multiple optical detectors, each arranged and configured to measure the overall intensity of its respective optical interference signal and output a power output value corresponding to the overall intensity of its respective optical interference signal, A control subsystem is configured to continuously receive measured power output values ​​from each optical detector, and to change the phase of each input optical beam while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value from each optical detector, and to lock the phase of the input optical beam when the extreme power output value of each optical interference signal is reached. Equipped with, The phase of each input optical beam is changed based directly on the measured power output value of its respective optical interference signal. The generation of optical interference signals, measurement of the outputs of multiple optical detectors, and phase locking are performed continuously and simultaneously for all M×N input and output optical beams and optical interference signals. It is a system.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described in relation to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of some embodiments.

[0119] Any digital computer system, unit, device, module, and / or engine illustrated herein may be configured to implement the methods disclosed herein, or may be otherwise programmed, and to the extent that the system, module, and / or engine is configured to implement such methods, it is included in the scope and spirit of this disclosure. When a system, module, and / or engine is programmed to perform a particular function in accordance with computer-readable and executable instructions from program software that implements the methods disclosed herein, it effectively becomes a computer dedicated to embodiments of the methods disclosed herein. The methods and / or processes disclosed herein may be implemented as computer program products, which may be tangibly embodied in, for example, an information carrier including a non-temporary tangible computer-readable and / or non-temporary tangible machine-readable storage device. The computer program products may be directly loadable into the internal memory of a digital computer and may include software code portions for performing methods and / or processes as disclosed herein.

[0120] Furthermore, or alternatively, the methods and / or processes disclosed herein may be implemented as computer programs that can be intangibly embodied by a computer-readable signal medium. A computer-readable signal medium may include, for example, a propagated data signal comprising computer-readable program code embodied therein, either in the baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic, optical, or any preferred combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium, not a non-temporary computer or machine-readable storage device, that can communicate, propagate, or transfer programs used by, or in connection with, the apparatus, systems, platforms, methods, operations, and / or processes discussed herein.

[0121] "Non-temporary computer-readable storage device" and "non-temporary machine-readable storage device" encompass distribution media, intermediate storage media, computer running memory, and any other media or devices that can store data for later reading by a computer program implementing embodiments of the methods disclosed herein. A computer program product may be distributed on one or more computers, in one or more locations, interconnected by one or more communication networks, and deployed to be executed.

[0122] These computer-readable and executable instructions may be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device for making machines, and as a result, instructions executed via the processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device create means for implementing the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable and executable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct computers, programmable data processing devices, and / or other devices to function in a particular way, and as a result, a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein includes a product containing instructions that implement the modes of functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0123] Computer-readable and executable instructions can also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to perform a series of operational steps on the computer, other programmable device, or other device, thereby creating a computer implementation process, and as a result, the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device implement the modes of function / operation specified in the blocks(s) of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0124] Modules, devices, mechanisms, units, and / or subsystems may each include machine(s)-executable instructions (e.g., commands). Modules may be embodied by circuits or controllers programmed to cause a system to implement methods, processes, and / or operations as disclosed herein. For example, modules may be implemented as hardware circuits, including, for example, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as customized very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic chips, transistors, and / or other discrete components. Modules may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices, such as field-programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, and programmable logic devices.

[0125] In the discussion, unless otherwise specified, adjectives such as “substantially” and “about” that modify the state or relational characteristics of the features (singular or plural) of embodiments of the present invention should be understood to mean that the state or characteristic is defined within the permissible range permitted for the operation of the embodiments for their intended use.

[0126] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and / or “near” in relation to size or numerical value may indicate that the respective size or value falls within a range of -10% to +10% (including both ends).

[0127] It is important to note that the methods may include more than just the figures or corresponding descriptions. For example, a method may include additional or fewer processes or actions than those shown in the figures. In addition, embodiments of a method are not necessarily limited to the time series shown and described herein.

[0128] For example, the discussions herein using terms such as “process,” “compute,” “calculate,” “decide,” “establish,” “analyze,” “check,” “estimate,” “derive,” “select,” and “predict” may refer to the operation(s) and / or process(s) of a computer, computing platform, computing system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities in computer registers and / or memory into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in computer registers and / or memory, or other information storage media capable of storing instructions that perform operations and / or processes. The term “decide” may also refer to “heuristically deciding,” where applicable.

[0129] It should be noted that when an embodiment refers to the condition "above a threshold," this should not be interpreted as excluding embodiments that refer to the condition "greater than or equal to a threshold." Similarly, when an embodiment refers to the condition "below a threshold," this should not be interpreted as excluding embodiments that refer to the condition "less than or equal to a threshold." If a condition is interpreted as being met when the value of a given parameter is above a threshold, then it is clear that the same condition is not considered met when the value of the given parameter is less than or equal to a given threshold. Conversely, if a condition is interpreted as being met when the value of a given parameter is greater than or equal to a threshold, then the same condition is not considered to be met when the value of the given parameter is less than (only below) a given threshold.

[0130] When a patent claim or specification refers to "one" or "one" element and / or feature, it should be understood that such a reference should not be interpreted as meaning that only one of those elements exists. Therefore, for example, a reference to "one element" or "at least one element" may also include "one or more elements."

[0131] Terms used in the singular form shall also include the plural form unless explicitly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0132] In the description and claims of this application, the verbs “to have,” “to include,” and “to possess,” as well as their conjugations, are used to indicate that the object (singular or plural) of a verb is not necessarily a complete enumeration of the components, elements, or parts of the subject (singular or plural) of the verb.

[0133] Unless otherwise specified, the use of the expression "and / or" between the last two members of an enumeration of selection options indicates that it is appropriate and possible to select one or more of the enumerated options. Furthermore, the use of the expression "and / or" can be used interchangeably with the expressions "at least one of the following," "any one of the following," or "one or more of the following," followed by an enumeration of various options.

[0134] For clarity, it is understood that certain features of the Invention described in the context of separate embodiments or examples may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the Invention described in the context of a single embodiment, example, and / or optional context may also be provided separately, in any preferred subcombination, or as preferred in any other described embodiment, example, or optional context of the Invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments, examples, and / or optional implementations should not be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiments, examples, and / or optional implementations would not function without those elements.

[0135] It should be noted that in this specification, the terms “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments of the present invention,” “for example,” “as an example,” and “optionally” may be used interchangeably.

[0136] The number of elements shown in the diagram should not be interpreted as limiting, but rather as merely illustrative.

[0137] It should be noted that the term “operable as” may encompass the meaning of the term “modified or configured as.” In other words, a machine “operable as” to perform a task may, in some embodiments, be merely capable of performing a function (e.g., being modified as such), and in some other embodiments, be a machine that is actually made (e.g., configured) to perform a function.

[0138] Throughout this application, various embodiments are presented and / or related to range forms. It should be understood that range forms are merely for convenience and brevity and should not be interpreted as inflexible limitations on the scope of the embodiments. Therefore, range descriptions should be considered to specifically disclose all possible subranges and the individual numbers within those ranges. For example, a range description such as 1-6 should be considered to specifically disclose subranges such as 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, and the individual numbers within those ranges, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the width of the range.

[0139] The phrases "between" the first and second indicators, and "from" the first indicator to the second indicator, are used interchangeably herein and are intended to include the first and second indicators, as well as all fractions and integers between them.

Claims

1. A method for coherent beam synthesis (CBC), The process involves generating a time-coherent array of input optical beams and a reference optical beam, For beam synthesis, an array of output optical beams corresponding to an array of input optical beams is generated such that the output optical beam propagates along a first propagation direction, The first portion of each output optical beam is directed in a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, and the second portion of each output optical beam is directed in a second propagation direction and used as a sample optical beam, thereby splitting each output optical beam. The reference optical beam is directed so that it interferes with the sample optical beam, generating multiple corresponding optical interference signals. To provide an array of optical detectors, each positioned and configured to measure the intensity of its respective optical interference signal and generate a power output value representing the overall intensity of each optical interference signal, The polarization of each input optical beam is automatically and individually changed while comparing the measured power output value of the corresponding optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value generated by each optical detector, and the change in polarization of each input optical beam is performed directly based on the measured power output value of each optical interference signal without calculating or estimating the correct polarization and / or generating any other related signals. When the maximum power output value of each optical interference signal is reached, the polarization of the input optical beam is fixed, Includes, A method characterized in that the generation of optical interference signals, the measurement of power output values ​​of multiple optical detectors, and polarization fixing are performed continuously and simultaneously for all input and output optical beams and optical interference signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polarization change of each input optical beam is performed using an array of polarization controllers (PCs), each PC being configured to control the polarization of a different input optical beam.

3. The further includes controlling the phase of each input optical beam based on the measured power output value of each optical interference signal, The control of the phase of each input optical beam is as follows: The steps include automatically and individually changing the phase of each input optical beam while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value from each optical detector, The process involves fixing the phase of each input optical beam when the maximum power output value from each optical detector is reached, Includes, The method according to claim 1, wherein the phase change of each input optical beam is performed directly based on the measured overall power output value of each optical interference signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the phase change of each input optical beam is performed using an array of phase shifters (PS), and each PS is configured to change the phase of its respective input optical beam.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polarization is controlled and modified for each input optical beam by controllingly increasing or decreasing the polarization of each input optical beam by a predetermined and / or controllable polarization shift span.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating an output optical beam is performed using an array of collimating elements to collimate each input optical beam separately.

7. This further includes controlling one or more characteristics of the wavefront of the synthesized output optical beam, One or more controllable characteristics of the wavefront of the composite output optical beam are: The far-field (FF) distribution of the wavefront, The far-field (FF) position of the central lobe that can be formed by the combined power optical beam, Central lobe focusing characteristics, Spatial configuration of wavefronts, Optical aberration correction, The method according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the above.

8. Controlling one or more wavefront characteristics is Mechanically moving the output end of the optical waveguide from which the reference optical beam is output, and / or The method according to claim 7, which is performed by mechanically changing the relative position between the output end of an optical waveguide from which a reference optical beam is output and a focusing lens located within the path of the reference optical beam, thereby controlling the direction of the wavefront of the reference optical beam.

9. A system for coherent beam synthesis (CBC), A light source that generates a source optical beam, A beam splitting mechanism configured to split a source optical beam into a time-coherent array of input optical beams and a reference optical beam, An array of collimating elements that directs each of the input optical beams through separate collimating elements and generates an output optical beam corresponding to the input optical beam so that the output optical beam propagates through a first propagation direction, A beam-splitting element divides each output optical beam so that a first portion of each output optical beam is directed in a first propagation direction, all first portions of the output optical beams form a combined output optical beam, and a second portion of each output optical beam is directed in a second propagation direction and directed to interfere with a reference optical beam, thereby being used as a sample optical beam to form a corresponding optical interference signal. An array of optical detectors arranged and configured to measure the intensity of each optical interference signal and output a power output value corresponding to the overall intensity of each optical interference signal, A control subsystem that continuously receives power output values ​​measured from each optical detector, and changes the polarization of each input optical beam while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value from each optical detector, and fixes the polarization of the input optical beam when the maximum power output value of each optical interference signal is reached. Equipped with, The polarization change of each input optical beam is performed directly based on the measured power output value of the respective optical interference signal, without calculating or estimating the correct polarization and / or generating any other associated signals. A system characterized in that the generation of optical interference signals, the measurement of the outputs of multiple optical detectors, and the fixing of polarization are performed continuously and simultaneously for all input and output optical beams and optical interference signals.

10. The control subsystem is An array of polarization controllers (PCs) in which each PC is configured to change the polarization of a different input optical beam, and The system according to claim 9, comprising one or more arrays of processing modules (PMs) configured to receive power output values ​​of different optical detectors and iteratively control at least different PCs associated therewith

11. A reference optical fiber for guiding a reference optical beam, having an input end for receiving light from a light source and an output end from which the reference optical beam is emitted, and The system according to claim 9, further comprising one or more reference optical beam collimators arranged to collimate the reference optical beam before interfering with the sample optical beam.

12. The system according to claim 9, further comprising a wavefront control mechanism configured to control one or more characteristics of the wavefront of a combined output optical beam.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein a wavefront control mechanism is configured to control the relative position between the output end of a reference optical fiber and a reference optical beam collimator for steering control of the combined output optical beam.

14. The system according to claim 12, further comprising an array of phase control modules (PCMs), each PCM being arranged and configured to control the phase of different portions of a reference optical beam interfering with its respective sample optical beam.

15. The system according to claim 9, further comprising an array of phase shifters (PS), each PS associated with a different input optical beam and configured to control the respective phase of the input optical beam based on its respective measured power output value.

16. The control of the phase of each input optical beam is as follows: The phase of each input optical beam is automatically and individually changed while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one previously measured power output value of each optical interference signal. This includes fixing the phase of each input optical beam when it reaches the maximum power output value of its respective optical interference signal, The system according to claim 15, wherein the phase change of each input optical beam is performed directly based on the measured power output value of each optical interference signal without calculating or estimating the correct phase and / or generating other signals associated therewith.

17. A focusing device configured and positioned to controllably focus a combined output optical beam, and / or It comprises an array of optical waveguides, each configured to guide a different input optical beam and / or output optical beam, The system according to claim 9, wherein the optical waveguide is an optical fiber, a fiber amplifier, and / or a doped fiber.

18. A system for coherent beam synthesis (CBC), A time-coherent array of input optical beams, Reference optical beam and, The system is configured to direct each input optical beam through individual collimating elements, generating an array of output optical beams corresponding to the input optical beams that have passed through the collimating elements, wherein the output optical beams are parallel to each other, and the array of collimating elements defines a first propagation direction. A beam-splitting element is configured to split each output optical beam, such that a first portion of each output optical beam is oriented in a first propagation direction, all of the first portions of each output optical beam form a combined output optical beam, a second portion of each output optical beam is oriented in a second propagation direction and used as a sample optical beam, directed to interfere with a reference optical beam, and generating multiple optical interference signals. Multiple optical detectors, each arranged and configured to measure the intensity of its respective optical interference signal and output a power output value corresponding to the overall intensity of each optical interference signal, A plurality of optical detectors are provided, each configured to continuously receive power output values ​​measured from each optical detector, and to change the polarization of each input optical beam while comparing the measured power output value of each optical interference signal with at least one power output value previously measured from each optical detector, and to fix the polarization of the input optical beam when the maximum power output value of each optical interference signal is reached. The polarization change of each input optical beam is performed directly based on the measured power output value of each optical interference signal. The system generates optical interference signals, measures the outputs of multiple optical detectors, and fixes polarization, all performed continuously and simultaneously for all input and output optical beams and optical interference signals.

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