A portable laser-based drone interceptor

Abstract

A portable laser-based intercepting apparatus, for intercepting / neutralizing a remote UAS target. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus includes a fiber-based laser generator for generating a. laser beam, at least one Beam Quality Preserving (BQP) optical fiber, and a telescopic device. The fiber-based laser generator is coupled to operate with the at least one BQP optical fiber, wherein the BQP optical fiber is configured to preserve and transfer a single mode or near single mode laser beam, to the telescopic device. The telescopic device may be a constant adjustable divergence telescopic device or an adjustable divergence telescopic device.The telescopic device is configured to transfer a single mode or near single mode laser beam to the target UAS, when aimed thereon. The accumulated heat generated at the laser beam spot upon the target UAS is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS.

Description

[0001] A PORTABLE LASER-BASED DRONE INTERCEPTOR

[0002] PRIORITY

[0003] The present invention takes priority from Israeli patent application IL 311723, dated: 26 March 2024; as well as from PCT app application PCT / IL2024 / 051223, dated: 26 December 2024.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure relates to laser-based neutralizing apparatus “interceptor”, for intercepting / neutralizing a remote UAS target, and methods of use. The interceptor apparatus includes a fiber-based laser generator for generating a laser beam, a Beam Quality Preserving (BQP) optical fiber, and a constant or adjustable divergence telescopic device. The telescopic device is configured to transfer a single mode or close to a single mode laser beam to the target UAS, when aimed thereon.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] In recent years, the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UASs), commonly known, with no limitations, as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), kites, balloons and the like, has introduced challenges related to privacy, security, airspace management and military uses. Therefore, there is need for an Anti-UAS (Anti-Unmanned Aerial System) to countermeasure system and tackle security and military threats.

[0008] One such emerging countermeasure Anti-UAS means uses laser technology to intercept / neutralize and incapacitate a target UAS, commonly also referred to as laser guns against UASs. These devices harness the illumination intensity of laser beams in order to disrupt and / or disable the respective UASs in flight, offering precision-oriented approach to counteracting unauthorized UAS activities.

[0009] Typical laser based anti-UASs, are composed of several subsystems:

[0010] 1. A detection and tracking subsystem: the anti-UAS system first detects and tracks the target UAS using for example: radar technology, infrared sensors, visible sensors, and / or other surveillance technologies.

[0011] 2. An aiming and firing subsystem: once the target UAS is tracked, the laser-based anti- UAS system aims and fires the laser beam at the targeted UAS. The laser beam spot generates intense heat upon contact with the target, which heat can damage critical components of the target UAS such as, with no limitation, the motor(s), battery, or communication systems and may even set the UAS on fire. The resulting damage(s) forces the target UAS to land or crash.

[0012] Laser-based, anti UAS systems have many advantages over other prior art, non-laser anti-UAS systems, including:

[0013] 1. Speed of light engagement: lasers engage targets at the speed of light, making them suitable for rapidly moving targets.

[0014] 2. Precision: lasers can be very precise, reducing collateral damage.

[0015] 3. low cost per shot: once installed, the operational cost per engagement can be relatively low compared with traditional projectile weapons.

[0016] 4. Stealthy: laser beams are generally silent and invisible, providing a stealthy mode of engagement.

[0017] Although anti UAS laser systems have many advantages, they also need to overcome many challenges:

[0018] 1. Atmospheric conditions: laser radiation travels through the atmosphere. Therefore, the laser beam may be attenuated and scattered by atmospheric conditions and by small particles such as rain, fog, dust, and other types of small particles. Furthermore, different atmospheric conditions such as air turbulence may increase the laser spot dimensions on the target, and thus decrease the laser optical power density of the illumination spot delivered onto the target.

[0019] 2. Optical power requirements: damaging the target UAS requires a minimal amount of optical power density on the target. The exact amount depends on the target’ s material and on the laser characteristics, such as wavelength, beam diameter and operation mode. Therefore, each anti-UAS laser needs to output and deliver a minimal amount of optical power depending on the system configurations. This required power can range from hundreds of Watts to hundreds of kilowatts.

[0020] 3. Cooling systems: high-power lasers generate a lot of heat and require effective cooling systems. One of the most common cooling system is a water cooler.

[0021] 4. Electrical power: the electrical to optical efficiency of a high-power laser is not large. Therefore, a substantial amount of electrical power needs to be supplied to the laser and to the cooling system. 5. Safety: there are safety issues concerning both operators and bystanders, particularly regarding eye safety. There is also a risk of unintended damage to other objects in the sky that are situated in the path of the laser beam.

[0022] SUMMARY

[0023] The present invention describes a portable, handheld anti-UAS, fiber-based laser system. The anti-UAS fiber-based laser system includes a fiber-based laser generator configured to generate the required output beam in terms of power and quality that is needed for damaging the targeted UAS, such as, with no limitations, a drone. The laser generator includes a Beam Quality Preserving (BQP) optical fiber, which is designed to maintain single mode laser beam or a near single mode laser beam. It should be appreciated that when saying “generating a near single mode laser beam”, implies improving the beam quality by at least 20%, using for example the M2(M square) method to quantify the beam quality.

[0024] The BQP optical fiber has a pigtailed fiber output that interconnects the laser generator to a telescopic beam steering device, either by a common optical fiber or BQP optical fiber. The telescopic device is a fiber attached optical device that reshapes the laser beam in terms of the spot size and the divergence angle. The anti-UAS laser-based system may further includes a controller that is configured to remotely controlling the laser generator and optionally, the telescopic device.

[0025] In order to damage a target UAS, the anti-UAS system needs to deliver the required optical power density onto the target UAS for a certain minimal amount of time. The instantaneous power density on the target (Itarget) is defined as the laser power at the target (Ptarget), per unit area of the laser spot size (Aiaser on target), and is given by:

[0026] Hence, the larger the laser power at the target and / or the smaller the laser spot size - the larger the power density on the target is. It should be appreciated that a large laser spot size enables easier aiming of the beam onto the target, but requires a more powerful laser beam generator.

[0027] The laser power at the target depends on the laser generator output power and the atmospheric attenuation of the laser beam, preferably a single mode beam, while it propagates towards the target. While the atmospheric attenuation cannot be controlled, the laser power can be controllably increased. However, increasing the laser generator output power usually requires increasing the laser generator size, adding a water-cooling system, and increasing the powder supply. However, an increase of the laser system weight and size may yield an impractical man-held system.

[0028] Alternatively, the laser power density at the target can be increased by decreasing the laser spot area on the target, which depends on the laser generator spot area, the telescopic laser beam delivery optics, and the atmospheric conditions.

[0029] Generating a desirable single-mode laser beam from a laser can be challenging due to several factors related to the physical properties of the fiber. Achieving and maintaining single mode operation requires control of the fibers core diameter and the refractive index profile. It should be appreciated that if the core is too large or the index profile is not precisely controlled, higher-order modes can be excited, leading to a multi-mode beam.

[0030] High optical powder in fiber lasers may induce nonlinear optical effects such as self- phase modulation and stimulated Brillouin scattering. These effects can couple energy into higher-order modes, disrupting single-mode operation. Moreover, they can cause critical damage in the fiber which damages the laser.

[0031] There are several methods for converting a multi-mode laser beam into a single- mode beam in silica fibers. This conversion typically requires either the manipulation of the fiber's properties to selectively propagate only the fundamental mode or the use of external components to filter out higher-order modes.

[0032] Fiber based mode filtering techniques may include:

[0033] ● Long-Period Fiber Grating (LPFG): to achieve single-mode level operation, light from the core is selectively coupled into the cladding modes, wherein the grating is designed to couple higher-order modes out of the core, while leaving the fundamental mode relatively unaffected.

[0034] ● Tapered optical fiber : tapering a fiber optic involves gradually reducing the diameter of the optical fiber over a certain length. This process is configured to couple higher modes to lower modes and to preferentially leak out higher-order modes, while maintaining the fundamental mode. Effectively, this process filters the beam.

[0035] ● Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCFs): PCFs are configured to support only the fundamental mode, even including an optical fiber with a large core size. The air-hole structure around the core creates a photonic bandgap effect, which can be tailored to guide only the desired mode.

[0036] Optionally, one or more external-components are used for mode filtering techniques, for example:

[0037] ® Spatial filters selected from a group including lenses and pinholes, a spatial filter designed to pass only the central part of the beam, where the fundamental mode is concentrated, blocking, or attenuating the outer parts where higher-order modes are present.

[0038] « Mode-selective couplers are designed to couple fight from one fiber to another selectively. By using a mode-selective coupler between the multi-mode fiber and a single- mode fiber, only the fundamental mode can be efficiently transferred.

[0039] Although these methods were demonstrated in the laboratory’ and are used for various applications, they present many challenges. Mode filtering often results in a loss of power, as some of the light (carried by higher-order modes) is removed from the beam. Furthermore, achieving efficient mode filtering with fiber-based techniques requires precise control over the fibers geometry' and refractive index profile. Finally, the quality of the output beam depends on the efficiency of mode filtering and the preservation of the fundamental mode's properties. Therefore, a method for preserving the beam quality while overcoming the above challenges is needed.

[0040] According to the teachings of present invention, there is provided a portable, man carriable laser-based interceptor apparatus (“interceptor”), for intercept! ng / neutralizing a remote unmanned aerial system (UAS) target. The portable laser-based interceptor includes: a) a fiber-based laser generator for generating a laser beam; b) at least one Beam Quality Preserving (BQP) optical fiber; and c) a telescopic device.

[0041] The fiber-based laser generator is coupled to operate with the at least one BQP optical fiber, wherein the BQP optical fiber is configured to convert a multi-mode laser beam to perform as a near single mode laser beam, and to preserve and transfer the yield single mode or near single mode laser beam to the telescopic device. The BQP optical fiber is also configured to preserve and transfer the yield single mode or near a single-mode laser beam, to the telescopic device, preferably via an optical fiber.

[0042] The telescopic device is configured to transfer the single mode or near single mode laser beam to the target UAS, when aimed thereon. Upon aiming the formed laser beam at the target UAS, the accumulated heat generated at the laser beam spot upon the target UAS is preconfigured to intercept / neutralize the target UAS.

[0043] The laser generator is optically interconnected to a telescopic optical delivery' device, preferably using optical fiber. The optical fiber could be a simple optical fiber or made of a BQP optical fiber that is configured to hinder evolution and propagation of high order laser modes and thus, preserves the laser beam quality. This in turn may also reduce the size of the laser beam delivery' optics, such as a telescope. The BQP optical fiber is pre-coupled with the fiber-based laser generator.

[0044] Preferably, the BQP optical fiber is integrated with the fiber-based laser generator.

[0045] Preferably, the fiber clad / core ratio of the BQP optical fiber is at least 1.4 and has a minimum core size of 40 microns.

[0046] Upon aiming the formed laser beam at the target UAS, the accumulated heat generated at the laser beam spot upon the target UAS is preconfigured to intercept / neutralize the target UAS.

[0047] Optionally, the telescopic device is operatively synchronized with a viewing unit, wherein the viewing unit facilitates a user of the laser-based interceptor to view the target UAS.

[0048] Optionally, the portable laser-based interceptor further includes a mechanical interface for mounting the laser-based interceptor on a carrier selected from a group of carriers including a vehicle and a rifle-like carrying apparatus.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the telescopic device is a constant divergence telescopic device, having one or more fixed optical components such as, with no limitations, lenses and / or mirrors.

[0050] Upon visually locating a target UAS, the fiber-based laser generator is activated to thereby transfer converted single mode or near single mode laser beam to the target UAS, until intercepted / neutralized.

[0051] Preferably, the telescopic device is an adjustable divergence telescopic device, having at least two adjacent motorized optical components, wherein the portable laser- based intercepting apparatus further comprises: a) a controller; and b) a range-finding device configured to continuously measure the distance of the laser-based intercepting apparatus to the target UAS, to thereby facilitate computational refinement for maintaining the diameter D of the laser spot over the whole operating distance, wherein the controller is configured to: a) locate a target UAS via the viewing unit; and b) adjust the adjacent motorized optical components to thereby maintain the diameter D of the laser spot on the target UAS, based on the measured distance.

[0052] Optionally, the controller further facilitates the user to adjust the diameter D of the laser spot.

[0053] Optionally, the range finding device is a laser-based range finding device.

[0054] Optionally, the optical components are selected from the group including lenses and mirrors.

[0055] According to further teachings of present invention, there is provided a method for intercepting a target UAS, comprising the steps of a) providing a portable laser-based intercepting apparatus having: i. a fiber-based laser generator for generating a laser beam; ii. a BQP optical fiber; and iii. a telescopic device, wherein the fiber-based laser generator is coupled to operate with the BQP optical fiber; wherein the BQP optical fiber is configured to convert a multi-mode laser beam to perform as a single mode or near single mode laser beam, preserve and transfer the converted single mode or near single mode laser beam, to the telescopic device; and wherein the telescopic device configured to transfer the converted single mode or near single mode laser beam to the target UAS, when aimed thereon; b) visually locating a target UAS; c) activating and directing the converted single mode or near single mode laser beam towards the located target UAS, forming a laser spot thereon; and d) setting a desired diameter D of the laser beam spot.

[0056] Optionally, the method further includes a step of deactivating the laser beam upon intercepting the target UAS.

[0057] Optionally, upon aiming the laser beam at the target UAS the accumulated heat generated at the laser beam spot, upon the target UAS, is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS. Preferably, the BQP optical fiber is pre-coupled with the fiber-based laser generator.

[0058] Optionally, telescopic device is operatively synchronized with a viewing unit, the viewing unit facilitates a user of the laser-based intercepting apparatus to view.

[0059] Optionally, upon determining the existence of weather condition situation that enlarge the desired diameter D the intercepting method further includes a step of reducing the dimensions of the desired diameter D.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the telescopic device is an adjustable divergence telescopic device, having at least two adjacent motorized optical components such as, with no limitations, lenses and / or mirrors. The portable laser-based interceptor apparatus further includes a controller and a range-finding device, configured to continuously measure the distance of the laser-based interceptor apparatus to the target UAS, to thereby facilitate computational refinement for maintaining the diameter D of the laser spot over the whole operating distance. Optionally, the laser-based range finding device is a laser-based range finding device.

[0061] The controller is configured to locate a target UAS via the viewing unit, and to adjust the adjacent motorized optical components to thereby maintain the diameter D of the laser spot on the target UAS, based on the measured distance.

[0062] The controller further facilitates the user of the interceptor apparatus to adjust the diameter / ) of the laser spot, for example when atmospheric conditions enlarge the diameter D of the laser spot on the target UAS.

[0063] It should be appreciated that once the laser beam propagates through the atmosphere, the beam is enlarged through scattering by small particles and atmospheric turbulence effects. As a consequence, Aiaser _on w increases. Optionally, the output laser beam from the delivery' optics is reduced by optical telescopic means so that once output laser beam reaches the target, it is still small enough to meet the Itarget damage threshold. The reduction may be calculated or estimated using different atmospheric beam propagation models. Moreover, it is possible to use the telescopic beam delivery optics to actively decrease the output laser beam area.

[0064] The delivery' optics of telescopic device is configured to meet preconditioned parameters, including target range, aiming accuracy and atmospheric conditions. The goal of these telescopic devices is to provide a laser spot area that provides the necessary Itarget. The main advantage of these telescopic devices is their simple design, small size, and low weight. Thus, enabling a hand-held device that can be mounted, for example, on a rifle like apparatus. The constant divergence optics telescopes are aimed at short distance applications, typically, with no limitation, up to about 0.6 mile.

[0065] The second type of telescope is an adjustable type, based on motorized optical components such as, with no limitations, lenses and / or mirrors, that continuously change the beam divergence such that a constant Aiaser_on_taiget is maintained. These type of telescopes are aimed at long distance applications, typically, with no limitation, up to 3 miles, and where the turbulence effects are more prominent.

[0066] According to further teachings of the present invention there is provides a method for neutralizing a target UAS, the method including the steps of: a) providing a portable laser-based interceptor apparatus having: i. a fiber-based laser generator for generating a laser beam; ii. a BQP optical fiber; and iii. a telescopic device, wherein the fiber-based laser generator is coupled to operate with the BQP optical fiber; wherein the BQP optical fiber is configured to preserve and transfer an essentially- single mode or close to a single mode laser beam, to the telescopic device; and wherein the telescopic device configured to transfer the essentially-single mode or close to a single mode laser beam to the target UAS, when aimed thereon; b) visually locating a target UAS; c) activating and directing the essentially-single mode or close to a single mode laser beam towards the located target UAS, forming a laser spot thereon; and d) setting a desired diameter D of the laser beam spot.

[0067] Preferably, the intercepting method further includes a step of deactivating the laser beam upon intercepting the target UAS.

[0068] Upon aiming the laser beam at the target UAS, the accumulated heat generated at the laser beam spot, upon the target UAS, is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS.

[0069] Preferably, the telescopic device is operatively synchronized with a viewing unit, wherein the viewing unit facilitates a user of the laser-based intercepting apparatus to view the target UAS. The telescopic device is either a constant divergence telescopic device or an adjustable divergence telescopic device. Optionally, upon determining the existence of weather condition situation that enlarges the desired diameter Z), the intercepting method further includes a step of reducing the dimensions of the desired diameter D.

[0070] Optionally, when the telescopic device is an adjustable divergence telescopic device, wherein the portable laser-based intercepting apparatus further comprises a controller and a range-finding device configured to measure the distance of the laser-based intercepting apparatus to the target UAS, to thereby facilitate computational refinement for maintaining the diameter D of the laser spot over the whole operating distance, the method further comprising the steps of controlling the adjacent motorized optical elements (such as lenses and mirrors) to thereby maintain the diameter D of the laser spot on the target UAS as a function of the measure the distance to the target UAS.

[0071] Optionally, the adjustable divergence telescopic device further includes a range- finding device configured to measure the distance of the laser-based intercepting apparatus to the target UAS, to thereby facilitate computational refinement for maintaining the diameter D of the laser spot over the whole operating distance.

[0072] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration and example only and thus not limitative of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0074] Fig. la is an example schematic illustration of a lightweight, portable fiber-based laser apparatus fiber coupled / pigtailed with a constant divergence telescopic device, and preconfigured to intercept a target UAS, such as by damaging / destroying the target UAS, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] Fig. lb is an example schematic illustration of a single laser beam generator configured to combine multiple laser beams emitted from respective two or more BQP optical fibers, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0076] Fig. 2a illustrates a non-limiting example cross-section of a BQP optical fiber having a clad / core diameter ratio of 4: 1 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2b illustrates an example UV wavelength output beam profile out of a common optical fiber.

[0077] Fig. 2c illustrates an example UV wavelength output beam profile out of a BQP optical fiber 120, introduced in the present invention. Fig. 3 outlines a method for intercepting a target UAS, using a portable fiber-based laser apparatus as described in Figs, la and lb, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] Fig. 4 is an example schematic illustration of a lightweight, portable laser-based apparatus coupled with a motorized telescopic device having at least two adjustable lenses, and preconfigured to intercept a target UAS, such as by damaging / destroying the target UAS, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] Fig. 5 outlines a method for intercepting a target UAS, using a portable fiber-based laser apparatus coupled with a motorized telescopic device, as described in Fig. 4, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the host description or illustrated in the drawings.

[0082] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of the invention belongs. The methods and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0083] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided, so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0084] An embodiment is an example or implementation of the respective disclosure. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Although various features of the disclosure may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the disclosure may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the disclosure may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0085] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the disclosures. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

[0086] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as to which the disclosure belongs, unless otherwise defined. The present disclosure can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

[0087] It should be noted that orientation related descriptions such as “bottom”, “up”, “upper”, “down”, “lower”, “top” and the like, assumes that the associated item, such as the firearm system or a portion thereof, is operationally situated.

[0088] The following invention describes a portable, laser-based apparatus configured to countermeasure a target UAS, by damaging / destroying the target UAS, being typically a hostile UAS.

[0089] Reference is now made to the drawings. Fig. la illustrates an example schematic illustration of a lightweight, portable laser-based apparatus 100 coupled with a constant divergence telescopic device 130, and preconfigured to intercept a target UAS, by damaging or destroying the target UAS, according to embodiments of the present invention. Portable laser-based apparatus 100 is operable by a portable power supply 105 such as a battery, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Portable laser-based apparatus 100 further includes a Beam Quality Preserving (BQP) based laser generator 110 for generating a near single mode laser beam, and a constant divergence telescopic device 130 configured to form a spot the laser beam 150 thereon the target UAS. Telescopic device 130 is an optical device that reshapes laser beam 150 in terms of spot size and divergence angle. By steadily maintaining the formed laser spot on the target UAS, the accumulated heat, generated at the laser beam spot, is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS.

[0090] It should be appreciated that when saying “generating a near single mode laser beam”, implies improving the beam quality by at least 20%, using for example the M2(M square) method to quantify the beam quality. It should be appreciated that the delivery optics of telescopic device is configured to meet preconditioned parameters, including target range, aiming accuracy and atmospheric conditions. The goal of these telescopic devices is to provide a laser spot area that provides the necessary' forget. The main advantage of these telescopic devices is their simple design, small size, and low weight. Thus, enabling a hand-held device that can be mounted, for example, on a rifle like apparatus. The constant divergence optical telescopes are aimed at short distance applications, typically, with no limitation, up to about 0.6 mile.

[0091] Fig. lb illustrates a non-limiting example schematic optional example of a single laser beam generator 110 configured to combine multiple laser beams emitted from respective two or more BQP optical fibers, using for example a combiner 118, according to embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, laser generator 110 includes a number of lasers 101 each having a respective wavelengths, a respective controllable intensity h and transmission mode: either a continuous wave (CW) or a controllable pulsed mode Pi, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Each laser IOIFI is pre-coupled and pre- aligned with a respective fiber-optic (FO) 105FI to form a fiber-optic based laser 112LFI, wherein: laser IOILI is pre-coupled with a respective fiber optic 105FI to form a fiber-optic based laser 112LFI; laser 101L2 is pre-coupled with a respective fiber-optic 105F2 to form a fiber-optic based laser 112 LF2; and so on: laser lOlLn is pre-coupled with a respective fiber- optic 105Fn to form a fiber-optic based laser 112LFU. An N fiber-optics combiner is configured to combine the individual output beams into a single output laser beam via BQP fiber-optic 120. The usage of multiple lasers is possible given that the portable laser-based apparatus 100 remains hand carriable.

[0092] Laser beam generator 110 is preferably based on BQP optical fibers, and configured to generate the required output power needed for damaging the target UAS (typically a foe UAS) in a range of up to a few kilometers, as visibility allows. Laser generator 110 includes a laser generating mechanism coupled with an internal Beam Quality Preserving (BQP) optical fiber. The BQP optical fiber is designed to maintain single mode output laser beam 150 or a near single mode laser beam 150. Near single mode laser operation may be obtained, for example, by utilizing a Long-Period Fiber Grating (L.PFG) and / or by utilizing a mode-selective coupler between the multi-mode fiber and a single-mode fiber.

[0093] A BQP fiber-optic 120i has a large diameter clad inside the optical fiber in order to form a thick wall, which helps preserve the single mode operation of the laser, while avoiding the challenges presented by small diameter core optical fibers. For example, with no limitations, the core may have a 200 microns diameter, and the clad may have a 220 microns diameter, that is a clad / core diameter ratio of 1.1 :1. Preferably, with no limitations, the fiber clad / core ratio of the BQP optical fiber of the present invention is preferably at least 1.5: 1. Reference is also made to Fig. 2a that illustrates a non-limiting example of cross- section view of a BQP optical fiber 120 having a clad / core diameter ratio of about 4: 1 . BQP optical fiber 120 has a clad (121, see Fig. 2a) radius rciad and a core (122) radius rCOre, wherein, in this non-limiting example, the clad / core diameter ratio is about 4: 1, and has a minimum core size of 40 microns.

[0094] Reference is also made to Fig. 2b that illustrates an example UV wavelength output beam profile in a common optical fiber; and to Fig. 2c that illustrates an example UV wavelength output beam profile in a BQP optical fiber 120, introduced in the present invention. In the formed beams, as demonstrated in the examples depicted in Figs. 2b and 2c. Fig. 2b exemplifies a beam formed inside a BQP optical fiber 120A with clad (120A) / core (122A) diameter ratio of 400pm / 440pm results with MM2, whereas, as shown in Fig. 2c, a beam formed inside a BQP optical fiber 120B with (120B) / core (122B) diameter ratio of 400prn / 1400um results with XI330.

[0095] Hence, an improved beam quality metrics (e.g., M2values) is achieved using BQP fibers with clad-to-core ratios of 1.5 or greater.

[0096] The laser generator 110 is optically interconnected to a telescopic optical delivery' device 130, using an optical fiber. The optical fiber may be a simple optical fiber or made of a BQP optical fiber (120) that is configured to hinder evolution and propagation of high order laser modes and thus, preserves the laser beam quality. This in turn may also reduce the size of the laser beam delivery’ optics, such as a telescope 130. Preferably, the BQP optical fiber 120 is pre-coupled with the fiber-based laser generator. It should be appreciated that the BQP optical fiber 120 improves upon the prior art laser generators, by enabling maintaining a near single mode operation and by enhancing the beam control, which is particularly useful for precision targeting of hostile cameras or sensors.

[0097] It should be appreciated that the present invention eliminates free-space optical elements used in prior art, to thereby make the system lightweight, flexible, more reliable, and is carriable by a single person. It should be further appreciated that the portable laser- based intercepting apparatus may further include a mechanical interface for mounting the laser-based interceptor on a carrier selected from a group of carriers including a vehicle and a rifle-like carrying apparatus.

[0098] Laser generator 110 is fiber-coupled, internally or pigtailed, to transmit the generated laser beam to a constant divergence telescopic device 130, preferably via a transmitting BQP optical fiber (120) or via a common transmitting optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is optically and operatively connected to the constant divergence telescopic device 130.

[0099] It should be noted that the user of laser-based apparatus 100 may visually aim the laser beam onto the target UAS using a rifle scope or other standard viewing unit 132 that is used to aim common weapons. It should be further appreciated that since the beam quality is preserved, telescopic device 130 can be small enough to be adapted for a portable device.

[0100] It should be further noted that the user of laser-based apparatus 100 may visually aim the laser beam onto a target UAS using a rifle scope or any other standard viewing mean 132 that is used to aim common weapons. Furthermore, since the beam quality is preserved and thus, the beam quality of the spot size of laser beam 150 is preserved as well, and the operation of the portable laser-based apparatus 100 is simple as well. Fig. la outlines an example schematic illustration of a lightweight, portable laser-based apparatus 100 preconfigured to intercept a target UAS, by damaging or destroying the target UAS, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0101] Methods of the present invention are respectively exemplified, with no limitations, in Figs. 3 and 5.

[0102] Fig. 3 outlines a method 200 for intercepting a target UAS, using portable laser- based apparatus 100, as described here-above, according to embodiments of the present invention. Interception method 200 includes the following steps:

[0103] Step 205: providing a lightweight, portable laser-based apparatus 100 preconfigured to intercept a target UAS, by damaging or destroying the target UAS.

[0104] The user of laser-based apparatus 100 visually locates a target UAS.

[0105] Step 210: Visually locating a target UAS.

[0106] The user of laser-based apparatus 100 visually locates a target UAS. The locating of the target may be done without a viewing aid or via viewing means 132.

[0107] Step 220: activate portable laser-based apparatus 100.

[0108] The user of laser-based apparatus 100 activates laser-based apparatus 100, to thereby form a high-power laser beam.

[0109] Step 230: aim portable laser-based apparatus 100. The user aims the formed laser beam at the target UAS forming a laser spot thereon.

[0110] Step 240: maintain the spot on the target UAS.

[0111] The user of laser-based apparatus 100 visually maintains the spot on the target UAS until observing that the target is intercept. By steadily maintaining the formed laser spot on the target UAS, the accumulated heat, generated at the laser beam spot, is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS.

[0112] Reference is now made to Fig. 4 illustrating an example schematic illustration of a lightweight, portable laser-based apparatus 300, coupled with a motorized telescopic device 330 having at least two adjustable lenses 335, and preconfigured to intercept a target UAS by damaging or destroying the target UAS, according to embodiments of the present invention. Portable laser-based apparatus 300 is operable by a portable power supply 305, such as a battery, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Portable laser-based apparatus 300 further includes a BQP based laser generator 310 for generating a laser beam, and an adjustable telescopic device 330, wherein laser generator 310 is integrated with BQP optical fibers for continuously maintaining the laser beam quality.

[0113] Laser generator 310 is configured to generate the required output power needed for damaging the target UAS (typically a foe UAS) in a range of a few Kilometers, as visibility allows. Laser generator 310 includes a laser generating mechanism coupled with an internal BQP optical fiber, wherein the BQP optical fiber is designed to maintain single mode output laser beam 350 or a near single mode laser beam 350.

[0114] Adjustable telescopic device 330 includes an onticnl interface G / IG having ai least two adjustable optical components such as, with no limitations, lenses and / or mirrors 335, spot size is formed and maintained on the target UAS By steadily maintaining the formed laser spot on the target UAS, the accumulated heat, generated at the laser beam spot, is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS. laser-based apparatus 300 is configured to engage a target UAS situated up to a few kilometers from the portable laser-based apparatus 300, depending on local weather conditions power of the laser spot on the target UAS. By steadily maintaining the formed laser spot on the target UAS, the accumulated heat, generated at the laser beam spot, is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS.

[0115] Laser generator 320 is configured to generate the required output power needed for damaging the target UAS in a range of up to a few kilometers depending on local weather conditions.

[0116] Laser generator 320 is pre-coupled with a BQP optical fiber 320 that is optically and operatively connected to adjustable telescopic device 330. It should be noted that the user of laser-based apparatus 300 may visually aim the laser beam onto the target UAS using a rifle scope or other standard mean that is used to aim common weapons.

[0117] The BQP optical fiber 325 is designed to maintain a single mode laser beam or a near single mode laser beam 350.

[0118] Fig. 5 outlines a method for intercepting a target UAS 400, using portable laser- based apparatus 300 coupled with a motorized, adjustable telescopic device 330, as described here-above. Interception method 400 includes the following steps:

[0119] Step 405: providing a lightweight, portable laser-based apparatus 300 preconfigured to intercept a target UAS, by damaging or destroying the target UAS.

[0120] Step 410: Visually locating a target UAS.

[0121] The user locates a target UAS through a viewing means 332.

[0122] Step 420: activate portable laser-based apparatus 300. The user of laser-based apparatus 300 activates laser-based apparatus 300, to thereby form a high-power laser beam 350.

[0123] Step 430: aiming laser beam 350 towards locates a target UAS.

[0124] The user aims the formed laser beam 350 towards the target UAS and forming a laser spot thereon.

[0125] Step 450: locking laser beam 350 onto locates a target UAS.

[0126] The user locks the laser beam 350 onto the located target UAS using controller 340.

[0127] Step 460: maintain the spot on the target UAS.

[0128] Controller 340 of laser-based apparatus 300 maintains the spot dimensions on the target UAS until observing that the target is damaged. By steadily maintaining the formed laser spot on the target UAS, the accumulated heat, generated at the laser beam spot, is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS.

[0129] It should be appreciated that adjustable telescopic device 330 is configured to maintain the spot dimensions, including when the laser beam is affected by atmospheric conditions causing beam scattering.

[0130] The invention being thus described in terms of several embodiments and examples, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications, as would be obvious to one skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A portable, man carriable laser-based intercepting apparatus (“interceptor”), for neutralizing a remote unmanned aerial system (UAS) target, the portable laser-based interceptor comprising: a) a fiber-based laser generator for generating a laser beam; b) at least one Beam Quality Preserving (BQP) optical fiber; and c) a telescopic device, wherein said fiber-based laser beam generator is coupled to operate with said at least one said BQP optical fiber; wherein said BQP optical fiber is configured to convert a multi-mode laser beam to perform as a near single mode laser beam, and to preserve and transfer said yield single mode or near single mode laser beam to said telescopic device; and wherein said telescopic device is configured to transfer single mode or near single mode laser beam to the target UAS, when aimed thereon.

2. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said BQP optical fiber is integrated with said fiber-based laser generator.

3. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fiber clad / core ratio of said BQP optical fiber is at least 4: 1 and has a minimum core size of 40 microns.

4. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 1, wherein upon aiming said laser beam at the target UAS, the accumulated heat generated at said laser beam spot upon the target UAS is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS.

5. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said telescopic device is operatively synchronized with a viewing unit, said viewing unit facilitates a user of the laser- based intercepting apparatus to view said target UAS.

6. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mechanical interface for mounting the laser-based interceptor on a carrier selected from a group of carriers including a vehicle and a rifle-like carrying apparatus.

7. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 4, wherein said telescopic device is a constant divergence telescopic device.

8. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 7, wherein upon visually locating a target UAS, said fiber-based laser generator is activated to thereby transfer said converted single mode or near single mode laser beam to the target UAS, until the target UAS is intercepted.

9. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 5, wherein said telescopic device is an adjustable divergence telescopic device, having at least two adjacent motorized optical components, wherein said portable laser-based intercepting apparatus further comprises: a) a controller; and b) a range-finding device configured to continuously measure the distance of the laser- based intercepting apparatus to the target UAS, to thereby facilitate computational refinement for maintaining said diameter D of said laser spot over the whole operating distance, wherein said controller is configured to: a) locate a target UAS via said viewing unit; and b) adjust said adjacent motorized optical components to thereby maintain said diameter D of said laser spot on the target UAS, based on said measured distance.

10. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 9, wherein said controller further facilitates the user to adjust said diameter D of said laser spot.

11. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 9, wherein said range finding device is a laser-based range finding device.

12. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 9, wherein said optical components are selected from the group including lenses and mirrors.

13. The portable laser-based intercepting apparatus of claim 9, wherein said optical components are selected from the group including lenses and mirrors.

14. A method for intercepting a target UAS, comprising the steps of: e) providing a portable laser-based intercepting apparatus having: i. a fiber-based laser generator for generating a laser beam; ii. a BQP optical fiber; and iii. a telescopic device, wherein said fiber-based laser generator is coupled to operate with said BQP optical fiber;wherein said BQP optical fiber is configured to convert a multi-mode laser beam to perform as a single mode or near single mode laser beam, preserve and transfer said converted single mode or near single mode laser beam, to said telescopic device; and wherein said telescopic device configured to transfer said converted single mode or near single mode laser beam to the target UAS, when aimed thereon; f) visually locating a target UAS; g) activating and directing said converted single mode or near single mode laser beam towards the located target UAS, forming a laser spot thereon; and h) setting a desired diameter D of said laser beam spot.

15. The intercepting method of claim 14 further comprising a step of deactivating said laser beam upon intercepting the target UAS.

16. The intercepting method of claim 14, wherein upon aiming said laser beam at the target UAS the accumulated heat generated at said laser beam spot, upon the target UAS, is preconfigured to intercept the target UAS.

17. The intercepting method of claim 14, wherein said BQP optical fiber is pre-coupled with said fiber-based laser generator.

18. The intercepting method of claim 14, wherein said telescopic device is operatively synchronized with a viewing unit, said viewing unit facilitates a user of the laser-based intercepting apparatus to view.

19. The intercepting method of claim 14, wherein upon determining the existence of weather condition situation that enlarge said desired diameter D the intercepting method further includes a step of reducing the dimensions of said desired diameter D.

20. The intercepting method of claim 14, wherein said telescopic device is a constant divergence telescopic device.

21. The intercepting method of claim 14, wherein when said telescopic device is an adjustable divergence telescopic device, having at least two adjacent motorized optical components, wherein said portable laser-based intercepting apparatus further comprises a controller and a range-finding device configured to measure the distance of the laser-based intercepting apparatus to the target UAS, to thereby facilitate computational refinement for maintaining said diameter D of said laser spot over the whole operating distance, said method further comprising the step ofa) controlling said adjacent motorized optical components to thereby maintain said diameter D of said laser spot on the target UAS as a function of the measured the distance to the target UAS.

22. The intercepting method of claim 21, wherein said adjustable divergence telescopic device further includes a range-finding device configured to measure the distance of the laser-based intercepting apparatus to the target UAS, to thereby facilitate computational refinement for maintaining said diameter D of said laser spot over the whole operating distance.

23. The intercepting method of claim 21, wherein said range finding device is a laser-based range-finding device.

24. The intercepting method of claim 14, wherein the portable laser-based intercepting apparatus is a man carriable laser-based intercepting apparatus.

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