Coherent Beam Array Alignment Using Phase-Modulated Intensity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CBC systems face challenges in achieving precise beam alignment with minimal phase differences and operational effectiveness due to sequential beam switching and slow convergence times in dynamically varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for aligning coherent beams using adjustable phase modulators and beam steering arrangements, monitoring intensity parameters, and calculating relative beam positions based on intensity variations to achieve precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sequential beam switching and detector-imaging alignment techniques are used, then beam alignment precision is improved, but operational effectiveness and system productivity deteriorate due to requiring beams to be switched off during alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous beam operation during alignment by using intensity parameter monitoring that works with all beams on simultaneously. The system calculates relative intensity values for each beam based on monitored intensity parameters without requiring sequential switching, thus maintaining continuous useful action while achieving precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/sequential switching mechanism with an optical field-based intensity monitoring system. Instead of physically switching beams on and off with detectors, the system uses intensity parameter monitoring and calculation that operates continuously with all beams active, substituting mechanical switching with optical field measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If iterative optimization techniques such as stochastic parallel gradient descent are used over large degrees of freedom, then comprehensive beam alignment is achieved, but convergence time becomes excessively long making the system impractical for dynamically varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment problem by treating each beam independently through intensity parameter monitoring. Instead of optimizing all beams simultaneously over large degrees of freedom, the system monitors intensity parameters for each beam separately and calculates relative intensity values independently, reducing the computational complexity and convergence time while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements rapid feedback through intensity parameter monitoring that provides real-time information about each beam's relative intensity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to quickly detect and correct alignment deviations without the slow convergence of iterative optimization, enabling practical operation under dynamically varying conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If beams are switched off for alignment corrections, then alignment precision can be adjusted, but the system cannot correct alignment errors that occur during engagement time on the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous beam operation and continuous alignment monitoring through intensity parameter measurement. The system can detect and correct alignment errors during engagement time because the intensity parameter monitoring operates continuously with all beams on, eliminating the need to switch beams off for alignment corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides continuous feedback during operation through intensity parameter monitoring that works while beams are engaged on the target. This real-time feedback enables the system to detect and correct alignment errors during engagement, maintaining alignment stability without requiring beams to be switched off.
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 accurate beam alignment, correcting for dynamic variations in operating conditions, and enhancing the operational effectiveness of CBC systems.
Implementation Method 1
for each of the beams in the subset, actuating the corresponding phase modulator to modulate a current phase of the beam between at least three phase states
Implementation Method 2
for each of the beams in a subset of the beams, actuating the corresponding beam steering arrangement to steer the beam
Implementation Method 3
monitoring an intensity parameter that varies as a function of an intensity of radiation impinging on the target
Data Source
AI summary
A CBC system includes an array of beam sources generating coherent beams directed towards a target. The beam sources have associated adjustable phase modulators and beam steering arrangements. For each of the beams in a subset of the beams, the corresponding beam steering arrangement is actuated to steer the beam, and the corresponding phase modulator is actuated to modulate a current phase of the beam between at least three phase states. A detector monitors an intensity parameter that varies as a function of an intensity of radiation impinging on the target. A controller calculates, for each of the beams in the subset, a current value that is representative of a relative intensity of the beam based at least in part on the monitored intensity parameter at each of the at least three phase states. The calculated value is indicative of a current position of the beam relative to the target.