Diffractive Lens Laser Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser detection systems are inefficient and inaccurate in detecting the location of laser radiation sources, particularly unable to determine the wavelength and angle of arrival, and are limited in functionality across various ambient light conditions and angles, necessitating multiple detectors and lacking in decoding modulated or pulsed light.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detector system utilizing a periodic diffractive surface structure or diffraction grating on a lens surface, which diffracts radiation into spectral components, allowing for the identification of wavelength and direction of origin, and includes a scattering surface for rapid identification and reporting of radiation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple detectors are used to improve detection accuracy and coverage, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple individual detectors positioned at different locations and orientations. Each detector captures radiation from a specific angular sector, and the combined data provides comprehensive 360-degree detection coverage. This segmentation enables high reliability through multiple measurement points while maintaining manageable complexity through modular detector units.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array system performs multiple functions simultaneously: detecting laser radiation from all directions, determining angle of arrival, identifying wavelength through spectral analysis, and providing real-time location data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized detectors, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If detectors are positioned to detect radiation from specific angles, then detection precision for that angle improves, but angular coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection field is segmented into multiple angular sectors, with each detector optimized for a specific sector. This allows each detector to maintain high precision for its designated angle while the collective array provides comprehensive 360-degree coverage. The segmentation strategy resolves the contradiction by distributing precision optimization across multiple detectors rather than requiring a single detector to achieve both precision and wide coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-angle detection to multi-dimensional angular coverage by arranging detectors in three-dimensional space with varying orientations. This spatial arrangement enables simultaneous precision measurement at multiple angles, expanding angular coverage without sacrificing the precision achievable at any individual angle.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If existing laser detection systems are used, then basic radiation detection is possible, but wavelength and angle of arrival cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where detectors continuously monitor radiation characteristics and provide data for real-time calculation of wavelength and angle of arrival. This feedback loop enables the system to not only detect radiation presence but also fully characterize its properties, eliminating information loss about wavelength and angular direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Spectral analysis components act as intermediaries between the detectors and the final measurement outputs. These intermediaries process the raw detector signals to extract wavelength and angle information, transforming basic detection capability into comprehensive measurement capability without requiring direct complex interactions.
4Measurement precision
If detectors are designed for high angular resolution, then location accuracy improves, but detection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detectors, each with optimized angular resolution for its specific sector. This segmentation allows high location accuracy through precise angular measurement at each detector while maintaining overall detection efficiency through parallel operation of multiple independent detectors. The distributed architecture eliminates the trade-off by parallelizing the measurement process.
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 accurate detection of laser radiation wavelength and angle of arrival, capable of functioning in any ambient light conditions, and decoding modulated light, reducing the need for multiple detectors and enhancing laser detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A radiation detector system utilizing a periodic diffractive surface structure or diffraction grating on a lens surface, which diffracts radiation into spectral components
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for determining direction from which electromagnetic radiation originates and spectral characteristics of the radiation are provided. Lenses, diffraction gratings, which may be present on the surface of the lenses, and mirrors direct radiation to a photodetector. Lens and grating parameters, along with the location, size, relative spacing and orientation of diffracted orders of radiation detected by the photodetector are used for determining direction from which the radiation originates.