Deformable Mirror Laser Beam Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current High Energy Laser (HEL) beam control systems are cumbersome due to their large size, weight, and complexity, which hinders mobile deployment, and are traditionally blind, leading to reduced precision in targeting.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight laser beam control system utilizing a deformable mirror and steering mirror, with an optics controller that adjusts the beam based on wavefront and scatter data from the target and atmospheric returns, enabling precise beam control and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional HEL beam control systems use multiple mirrors and two illuminators, then beam control functionality is achieved, but system size, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple mirrors into a single deformable mirror that performs both wavefront correction and beam steering. The two illuminators (target illuminator and beacon illuminator) are merged into a single laser source that operates at one wavelength, eliminating the need for separate illuminators while maintaining all necessary beam control functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable mirror serves multiple functions simultaneously: it corrects wavefront distortions, steers the beam, and enables target tracking. The single laser source performs both target illumination and wavefront sensing functions that traditionally required two separate illuminators, making the system more universal and less complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional HEL beam control systems use two separate illuminators, then wavefront sensing and target tracking are enabled, but cost and system weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the target illuminator and beacon illuminator into a single laser source. The same laser beam is used for both illuminating the target and generating the return signal for wavefront sensing, eliminating the weight of one entire illuminator system while preserving both wavefront sensing and target tracking capabilities through wavelength-independent detection.
3Ease of operation
If traditional systems use different wavelengths for target tracking and HEL beam, then target acquisition is enabled, but system precision and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the HEL beam itself to perform target acquisition and tracking by detecting the return signal from the target. The same beam that delivers energy also provides the feedback signal for precision targeting, eliminating the need for a separate tracking wavelength and enabling the system to operate at full precision using its primary laser wavelength.
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 achieves precise beam control and alignment, reducing size and weight while enhancing targeting precision and adaptability, allowing for effective mobile deployment of directed energy weapons.
Implementation Method 1
An optics controller is operationally coupled to the deformable mirror and is adapted to adjust the deformable mirror in response to a wavefront of the laser beam return detected by the sensor
Implementation Method 2
Each of these mirrors may be used to control the outgoing laser beam
Implementation Method 3
A laser beam return, which includes scatter from the laser beam, is received through the output aperture and detected by a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam control system includes an output aperture through which a laser beam is directed toward a target. A laser beam return is also received through the output aperture, with the laser beam return including scatter from the laser beam. A deformable mirror is adapted to control the outgoing laser beam, and a sensor is adapted to detect the wavefront of the laser beam return. An optics controller is operationally coupled to the deformable mirror and is adapted to adjust the deformable mirror in response to the wavefront of the laser beam return.