Dual-Mode Laser Rangefinder Using OPO-OPA Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser target designator/rangefinder systems are bulky, heavy, energy-intensive, and produce low-quality lasers, making them ineffective in adverse atmospheric conditions and requiring larger transmit apertures.
Innovation Solution
A long-range laser target designator/rangefinder system utilizing a 1064 nm wavelength laser with an optical parametric oscillator-optical parametric amplifier (OPO-OPA) converter system, including a beam reducer and half wave plate, allowing for diffraction-limited beam generation at 1572 nm for improved range finding and target designation, while minimizing size, weight, and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LADAR systems use multiple laser sources to achieve long range and target designation, then the system can perform both range finding and target designation, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single laser source that can operate in multiple modes (range finding at 1064 nm and target designation at 1572 nm) by using an OPO-OPA converter system. This allows the same physical laser to serve both functions that previously required separate laser sources, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining dual-mode versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser output by using an optical parametric oscillator-optical parametric amplifier (OPO-OPA) converter. The converter transforms the 1064 nm laser output to 1572 nm for target designation mode, enabling a single laser source to provide multiple wavelength outputs for different operational modes, thus avoiding the need for multiple separate laser sources.
2Reliability
If conventional LADAR systems use multiple laser sources to ensure reliable operation in adverse atmospheric conditions, then the system can maintain effectiveness, but the size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single laser source with OPO-OPA converter provides both 1064 nm and 1572 nm wavelengths from one system, reducing power consumption compared to operating multiple independent laser sources. The system maintains reliability in adverse conditions by providing appropriate wavelength selection for different atmospheric conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple laser sources into a single integrated system with a shared laser source and wavelength conversion capability. This consolidation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to operate reliably in various atmospheric conditions through wavelength selection.
3Weight of stationary object
If conventional LADAR systems use a simple optical system, then the system is compact and lightweight, but the laser beam quality is low and the beam spot size is greater than 3 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The OPO-OPA converter acts as an intermediary device between the laser source and the target, improving beam quality without requiring a larger transmit aperture. The converter system produces a near diffraction-limited beam with spot size less than 3 mm, achieving high precision while keeping the system compact and lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the laser beam through the OPO-OPA conversion process, transforming the beam characteristics to achieve near diffraction-limited quality. This parameter transformation improves beam quality and reduces spot size without increasing the physical size of the transmit aperture or the overall system.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional LADAR systems use a larger transmit aperture to improve laser beam quality, then the beam spot size decreases, but the system becomes bulkier and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The OPO-OPA converter serves as an intermediary that improves beam quality without requiring a larger transmit aperture. By using nonlinear optical conversion, the system achieves near diffraction-limited beam quality with a compact aperture, avoiding the need for bulky optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam quality parameters through optical parametric conversion rather than increasing the aperture size. The OPO-OPA system transforms the beam characteristics to achieve superior quality and smaller spot size without proportionally increasing the transmit aperture area, thus avoiding increased system bulk.
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 long-range precision imaging, object identification, and active target designation with improved laser quality, reduced size, weight, and energy consumption, and operates effectively in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical parametric oscillator-optical parametric amplifier (OPO-OPA) converter system wherein the converter system comprises an OPO-OPA converter
Implementation Method 2
a half wave plate and a beam reducer
Implementation Method 3
an optical parametric oscillator-optical parametric amplifier (OPO-OPA) converter system including a beam expander
Implementation Method 4
directing the 1064 nm wavelength laser beam through the beam expander, through the half wave plate and into the polarizer, and splitting the laser beam in the polarizer into a first split laser beam and a second split laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The current disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method of a Laser Designator/Rangefinder (LDR) having two wavelengths of 1064 nm and 1572 nm. The 1064 nm wavelength laser is generated by a pump diode by exciting Nd:YAG medium (source). The 1572 nm wavelength laser is produced using an OPO-OPA converted which is located in a by-pass path. Because the 1572 nm wavelength uses near diffraction limited signal, it provides long range identification and tracking capability needed for advanced tactical platforms, while using the smallest transmit aperture, in a low Size, Weight and Power Consumption (SWaP) package.