Diffractive Aircraft Lighting System Using Coherent Laser Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft lighting systems rely on non-coherent light sources and large glass lenses, which add weight, restrict aerodynamic design, and are difficult to maintain, while failing to provide precise control over light intensity patterns and compliance with FAR requirements.
Innovation Solution
A coherent light source, such as a solid-state laser, is used in conjunction with diffractive optical elements integrated into the aircraft's wingtips and fuselage, allowing for precise control of light patterns and reducing the size and weight of lighting systems through optical waveguides, enabling compliance with FAR requirements and improved maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large glass lenses are used in conventional aircraft lighting systems, then durability is improved, but weight increases and aerodynamic design is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional non-coherent light sources (incandescent bulbs, LEDs) with coherent light sources (lasers), fundamentally changing the lighting system architecture. This substitution eliminates the need for large glass lenses and reflective optics, thereby reducing weight while maintaining durability through solid-state laser diodes integrated directly into the wingtip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the large glass lens component from the lighting system by using coherent light sources that do not require such lenses. The laser-based system achieves the necessary light direction and intensity control without the bulky optical elements, thereby eliminating the weight and aerodynamic drag associated with traditional lens assemblies.
2Illumination intensity
If large glass lenses are used in conventional aircraft lighting systems, then light emission is achieved, but aerodynamic design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens-based optical system with a coherent light source system that uses diffraction and interference patterns to control light direction. This substitution allows the wingtip to maintain its aerodynamic contour without protruding lens assemblies, as the laser light can be precisely directed through wavefront modulation without requiring large physical optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls light direction not through physical lens geometry in three-dimensional space, but through wavefront phase modulation in the optical domain. By using diffractive optical elements and coherent light interference, the system achieves precise beam steering and intensity control without adding physical bulk that would compromise aerodynamic shape.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional non-coherent light sources are used, then lighting coverage is achieved, but light intensity pattern control precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional incoherent light sources with coherent laser sources, enabling precise control of light intensity patterns through wavefront modulation. The coherent nature of laser light allows for exact control of interference and diffraction patterns, providing manufacturing precision in light pattern control that cannot be achieved with traditional bulbs or LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of light coherence from incoherent to coherent, which enables precise control of light intensity patterns through phase and amplitude modulation. By using laser sources with coherent properties, the system can precisely control the spatial distribution and intensity of emitted light through wavefront shaping, achieving pattern control precision unattainable with conventional light sources.
4Illumination intensity
If complex compound curves and highly contoured lenses are implemented, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and optical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex glass lens manufacturing with solid-state laser diode integration. Instead of molding complex compound curves and highly contoured lenses from glass, the system uses semiconductor laser diodes that can be directly mounted and electrically connected, dramatically simplifying manufacturing while maintaining or improving optical performance through coherent light generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, difficult-to-manufacture glass lenses with more economical solid-state laser diodes. The laser diodes are compact, easily manufactured using semiconductor processes, and can be replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for complex optical lens fabrication and assembly.
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 solution significantly reduces the size and weight of aircraft lighting systems, enhances maintenance efficiency, and achieves precise light control, meeting FAR requirements with minimal drag and optical losses, thus optimizing wing design and reducing maintenance delays.
Implementation Method 1
one or more diffractive optical elements may be integrated in wingtips and/or a fuselage of said aircraft
Implementation Method 2
The generated light source signals may be communicated to one or more diffractive optical elements in the aircraft via one or more optical waveguides
Implementation Method 3
The coherent light source may comprise a solid state laser
Implementation Method 4
generating optical source signals in an aircraft lighting system utilizing one or more coherent light sources
Implementation Method 5
The one or more diffractive optical elements may be static and/or dynamically controlled and may comprise liquid crystals
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus for a diffractive based coherent aircraft position and anti-collision lighting system may include generating optical source signals in an aircraft lighting system utilizing one or more coherent light sources. The generated optical source signals may be communicated to diffractive optical elements in the aircraft via optical waveguides, and output optical signals may be generated for transmission out of the aircraft via the diffractive optical elements. The lighting system may comprise indicator lights and/or anti-collision lights. The coherent light source may comprise a solid state laser. The diffractive optical elements may be integrated in wingtips and/or a fuselage of the aircraft. The coherent optical sources may be located within a fuselage of the aircraft and/or within wings of the aircraft. The diffractive optical elements may be statically and/or dynamically controlled and may comprise liquid crystals.