Intermediate Alignment Target Assembly for Multi-Spectral Boresight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical systems face challenges in efficiently and rapidly aligning multiple imaging sensors with different spectral bands without the need for extensive calibration over time and temperature changes, particularly in high-energy laser systems where boresight alignment can shift due to factors like temperature and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A beam director intermediate alignment target assembly configuration using a movably positioned intermediate alignment target with multiple wavelength targets and a beam block, positioned at the intermediate image plane to reflect and transmit specific spectral bands to respective imaging sensors, allowing for rapid and efficient alignment without external verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed alignment target is used at the intermediate image plane, then alignment can be performed, but the target interferes with other system components and requires external verification
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment target is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned only when needed for alignment operations. The target can be moved into and out of the intermediate image plane by actuators, eliminating continuous interference with other system components while maintaining alignment capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment target is extracted from the permanent system structure and made separable. By using a movable target that can be removed from the intermediate image plane, the system eliminates the need for a permanent fixed target that would continuously interfere with other components.
2Productivity
If multiple wavelength targets are used for multi-spectral alignment, then all imaging sensors can be aligned simultaneously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment target is designed with multiple wavelength targets that can reflect different spectral bands (visible, infrared, etc.). This multi-functional target can simultaneously provide alignment references for multiple imaging sensors with different spectral sensitivities, enabling simultaneous alignment of all sensors without requiring separate alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wavelength targets for different spectral bands are combined into a single integrated alignment target assembly. This merged structure provides alignment references for all imaging sensors in one location, simplifying the overall alignment process compared to using separate alignment targets for each sensor type.
3Reliability
If the alignment target remains in the intermediate image plane during operation, then alignment is maintained, but it blocks the optical beam and interferes with system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment target is implemented as a dynamic component that can move between two positions: inserted into the intermediate image plane for alignment operations, and removed from the intermediate image plane during normal system operation. This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between alignment mode and operational mode, eliminating interference with the optical beam during operation while maintaining alignment capability when needed.
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
Enables rapid and efficient alignment of multi-spectral imaging sensors by providing a visible or infrared target that reflects specific spectral bands, reducing interference with other system components and minimizing the need for external calibration, thus enhancing system stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first-wavelength target configured to: reflect a first spectral band of the laser beam to a first imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
transmit remaining spectral portions of the laser beam towards the objective lens
Implementation Method 3
a beam block located on a side of the first-wavelength target closer to the objective lens, and configured to: move into and away from the intermediate image plane independent of the first-wavelength target; and block the remaining spectral portions from the objective lens when moved into the intermediate image plane
Implementation Method 4
an objective lens configured to focus electromagnetic radiation entering through the objective lens to an intermediate image plane
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
An apparatus includes imaging optics having an objective lens (116) configured to focus electromagnetic radiation to an intermediate image plane (122) and one or more optical devices (118) configured to generate an optical beam from the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes at least one imaging sensor (144, 146) configured to capture an image from the optical beam. The apparatus further includes a beam generator (212) configured to generate and transmit a laser beam (214) through the imaging optics. In addition, the apparatus includes an intermediate alignment target (202) configured to be moveably positioned at the intermediate image plane. The intermediate alignment target includes a first-wavelength target (216) configured to reflect a first spectral band (138) of the laser beam to a first of the at least one imaging sensor (the first imaging sensor configured to capture a first-wavelength infrared image of the first spectral band) and transmit remaining spectral portions of the laser beam towards the objective lens.