Adaptive Multi-Wavelength Laser Illuminator for Dynamic Threat Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-lethal electro-optical systems lack adaptability to different dynamic environments and are prone to exploitation or obsolescence, as they are designed for single types of use, making them ineffective in varying operational settings and susceptible to countermeasures like laser goggles.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive multi-wavelength laser illuminator system that includes a laser integration bench, optical fiber, and controller, allowing for adjustable wavelength, power, and collimation control, enabling operation in various modes such as spotlight, single-color dazzler, and multi-color dazzler, with the ability to dynamically shift between modes and adapt to changing threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-wavelength laser system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different environments and threats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-wavelength laser system that can operate across a broad spectral range (400-1600 nm) by integrating multiple laser sources (violet, blue, cyan, green, yellow-green, yellow, orange, red, infrared) into a single illuminator device. This allows the system to perform multiple functions including visible illumination, night vision enhancement, and countermeasure operations against various threats, thereby achieving universality and adaptability without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic wavelength selection and adjustment capabilities, allowing the system to switch between different wavelengths and operational modes based on environmental conditions and threat types. The controller dynamically adjusts which laser sources are activated and at what power levels, enabling the system to adapt in real-time to changing operational requirements while managing complexity through centralized control.
2Reliability
If laser power is increased to maintain effectiveness against countermeasures, then operational effectiveness is improved, but eye safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes wavelength as a key parameter to resolve the contradiction between effectiveness and safety. By selecting specific wavelengths that are less susceptible to common laser-protective countermeasures (such as goggles designed for specific wavelengths) while remaining within eye safety limits, the system maintains operational effectiveness without exceeding safe exposure levels. The controller adjusts power levels across multiple wavelengths to optimize the balance between countermeasure penetration and eye safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent acknowledges that higher power could overcome countermeasures but would create harmful effects. Instead, it converts this potential harm into benefit by using the existence of wavelength-specific countermeasures as an opportunity to employ a multi-wavelength approach, where the system can switch to wavelengths that bypass protective equipment without requiring dangerous power increases, thereby turning the countermeasure limitation into a strategic advantage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser sources are integrated, then the versatility and redundancy are improved, but the manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources covering different portions of the spectrum into a single integrated illuminator housing. By merging violet, blue, cyan, green, yellow-green, yellow, orange, red, and infrared laser sources along with their respective optical components and cooling systems into one unified device, the system achieves versatility while managing manufacturing complexity through integrated design and shared structural elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a highly dynamic and effective non-lethal EO solution that can operate in diverse environments, ensuring safe laser energy levels and maintaining operational effectiveness despite countermeasures, with enhanced redundancy and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
generating laser illumination using one or more lasers, at least one laser of the one or more lasers residing outside a housing
Implementation Method 2
cooling the housing and the at least one laser that resides outside the housing with a cooler
Implementation Method 3
cooling the housing and the at least one laser that resides outside the housing with a cooler
Implementation Method 4
adjusting at least one of a degree of collimation, a divergence, and an intensity of the laser illumination using a collimator
Implementation Method 5
adjusting at least one of a degree of collimation, a divergence, and an intensity of the laser illumination using a collimator
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes one or more lasers (110), a collimator (116), and a controller (108). The one or more lasers are configured to generate laser illumination. The collimator is configured to adjust at least one of a degree of collimation, a divergence, and an intensity of the laser illumination and to direct the laser illumination towards one or more targets. The controller is configured to control the one or more lasers and the collimator in order to adjust the laser illumination directed at the one or more targets, and the controller is configured to control the one or more lasers and the collimator differently in different operating modes. Example operating modes could include a spotlight mode, a single-color dazzler or pulsating mode, a multi-color dazzler or pulsating mode, a communication mode, and an infrared-based operation mode.