Atmospheric Optical Component for Long Range Sensor Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long range sensors, such as telescopes, are limited by fixed physical constraints in size and focal length, making it difficult to increase angular resolution and range without enlarging the apparatus, which is often impractical or undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser devices to selectively alter the refractive index and ionization of atmospheric cells, creating dynamic optical components such as lenses and mirrors within a three-dimensional cell matrix, allowing for the creation of large aperture optical elements that can focus electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of the primary objective lens or mirror is increased to improve signal quality and angular resolution, then the quality of the sensed signal improves, but the physical size and complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an atmospheric optical component as an intermediary element that can be formed remotely in the atmosphere using laser-induced ionization. This atmospheric lens or mirror acts as a mediator between the distant scene and the compact sensor, enabling large aperture optical functionality without carrying a physically large lens or mirror on the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/optical system of large physical lenses or mirrors with a plasma-based atmospheric optical component. By using laser-induced ionization to create refractive index variations in the atmosphere, the system substitutes solid mechanical optical elements with a gaseous/plasma medium that provides equivalent or superior optical performance.
2Measurement precision
If the focal length of the optical system is increased to improve angular resolution, then the magnification and resolution improve, but the physical length and complexity of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The atmospheric optical component serves as an intermediary that provides the necessary focal length and optical power without requiring a correspondingly long physical optical train. The plasma lens or mirror formed in the atmosphere creates the required focal properties at a distance, allowing the actual sensor platform to remain compact while achieving long focal length performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional constraint (focal length as a linear dimension on the platform) to a three-dimensional solution by forming the optical component in the atmospheric volume. The optical power is distributed through a volumetric plasma structure rather than being confined to a linear optical path, effectively decoupling focal length from platform dimensions.
3Reliability
If the size of the primary objective lens is increased to collect more photons, then the quality of the collected signal improves, but the device becomes larger and more difficult to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The atmospheric optical component acts as a deployable intermediary that can be created on-demand in the atmosphere. Rather than deploying a large physical lens that requires mechanical handling and mounting, the system uses laser beams to create the optical element in situ, dramatically simplifying deployment while maintaining large aperture signal collection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, reconfigurable optical system where the atmospheric lens or mirror can be formed, adjusted, and repositioned by controlling laser parameters. This dynamic formation allows the optical component to adapt to different operational requirements without mechanical reconfiguration, enhancing both deployability and operational flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
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AI summary
A long range electromagnetic radiation sensor apparatus comprising a sensing system for receiving electromagnetic radiation signals from an object or area of interest and at least one electromagnetic radiation sensor, the apparatus further comprising an electromagnetic radiation source and a control system configured to cause electromagnetic radiation from said source to be applied to a selected plurality of three- dimensional portions of an atmospheric volume between said optical system and said object or area of interest (204) so as to heat and/or ionise the air within said portions, wherein said selected portions are spatially located together in a three-dimensional configuration so as to simulate an electromagnetic radiation path modifying device (202) for capturing said electromagnetic signals from said object or area of interest and directing and/or converging said captured signals toward said electromagnetic radiation sensor of said sensing system.