Azimuth Mirror Laser Calibration Using Alignment Cube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser pointing systems face challenges in achieving high precision alignment and calibration, particularly with azimuth mirrors, as existing methods require additional components and do not provide the necessary accuracy for applications requiring a margin of error within +/-2 arcseconds.
Innovation Solution
A laser pointing assembly incorporating an alignment cube on an azimuth platter, which allows for precise alignment and calibration without active alignment, using a method that involves generating an alignment laser beam, reflecting it off the cube, and adjusting the assembly to align the cube with a focal plane array, enabling accurate prediction of the laser beam's end position with a margin of error less than +/-2 arcseconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If previous calibration techniques (active alignment, mechanical tolerance stack ups, coordinate measurement machine results) are used, then calibration can be performed, but the required precision level of +/-2 arcseconds cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment cube as an intermediary calibration target with precisely defined reflective surfaces. This cube serves as a mediator between the laser beam and the detection system, providing known geometric references that enable accurate measurement and calibration of the laser beam location without requiring complex active alignment systems or mechanical tolerance stack-ups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems (such as mechanical tolerance stack-ups and coordinate measurement machines) with an optical-based calibration method using the alignment cube. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical measurement systems while achieving the required +/-2 arcsecond precision through optical reflection and geometric relationships.
2Measurement precision
If active alignment with additional components is used, then laser pointing accuracy can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential calibration function from complex active alignment systems and concentrates it into a single alignment cube component. By removing unnecessary additional components and feedback systems, the patent achieves laser pointing accuracy through a simplified calibration approach that uses only the alignment cube with its precisely defined reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment cube serves as a self-contained calibration standard that provides all necessary geometric references intrinsically. The cube's precisely manufactured reflective surfaces automatically provide the calibration information needed without requiring external active alignment systems, additional sensors, or complex feedback mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining accuracy.
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
This solution allows for precise calibration and prediction of the laser beam's location after the azimuth mirror, reducing the need for additional components and achieving the required level of accuracy for long-distance applications.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting it off the cube
Implementation Method 2
reflects 90 degrees off of the azimuth mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A laser pointing apparatus and a method of calibration therefor utilizing a precision machined, highly reflective alignment cube to precisely calibrate the laser pointing system is provided. The calibration method can allow the calculation of the position of a transmitted beam after it leaves an azimuth mirror to high degree of accuracy over large distances.