Embedded Optical Fiber Laser Threat Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light detection systems for wide-spectral-band laser emissions require external lenses and supporting structures, which are heavy, costly, and maintenance-intensive, and can only be used on objects with sufficient surface area, posing challenges for durability, reflectivity, and operational readiness.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical fibers embedded within the structural material of objects to form detection patches, which transmit received optical energy to a light sensor, eliminating the need for external lenses and allowing for passive detection of wide-spectral-band laser emissions over a wide frequency range and high dynamic power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external lenses and supporting structures are used for light detection, then detection capability is achieved, but weight increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light detection function directly into the structural material by embedding optical fibers within the object's skin or外壳, creating an integrated structure that eliminates separate external lenses and supporting structures. This combination reduces weight while improving durability as the optical fibers become part of the structural material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light-receiving function from traditional external lens systems and relocates it directly into the structural material through embedded optical fibers. This extraction eliminates the need for heavy external lens assemblies and their supporting structures, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If external lenses and supporting structures are used for light detection, then detection capability is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the optical detection function into the structural material itself through embedded fibers, the system eliminates separate external components that would require maintenance. The integrated structure reduces maintenance requirements as there are no external lenses to clean or supporting structures to repair.
3Reliability
If external lenses and supporting structures are used for light detection, then detection capability is achieved, but the object thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical detection system into the structural material by embedding optical fibers within the object's skin, eliminating the need for external lens assemblies that would increase thickness. The detection function is integrated within the existing structural thickness rather than adding external components.
4Reliability
If external lenses and supporting structures are used for light detection, then detection capability is achieved, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical detection function directly into the structural material manufacturing process. Optical fibers are embedded within the structural material during fabrication, eliminating the need for separate assembly of external lenses and supporting structures, thereby simplifying overall fabrication.
5Measurement precision
If multiple lens assemblies are used for precise detection, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple individual optical fibers embedded at different locations and orientations within the structural material. Each fiber acts as an independent detection element, and by analyzing the combined signals from multiple segmented fibers, the system achieves precise determination of light source direction, range, and intensity without requiring complex lens assemblies.
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
This solution reduces weight, increases durability, and simplifies maintenance, enabling passive detection on smaller objects with reduced reflectivity and thickness, while maintaining high detection accuracy and operational readiness, and can also be used for optical communication and countermeasures.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the received optical energy through the surface using a detection patch coupled to the surface, the detection patch incorporating an exterior terminating end of each of one or more of a plurality of optical fibers embedded in a casting
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the optical energy to a light sensor using a light pipe coupled to interior terminating ends of the one or more optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods and systems for passive detection of wide-spectral-band laser emissions. One method includes receiving optical energy from an emission source at a surface of an object, transmitting the received optical energy through the surface using a detection patch coupled to the surface, the detection patch incorporating an exterior terminating end of each of one or more of a plurality of optical fibers embedded in a casting, transmitting the optical energy to a light sensor using a light pipe coupled to interior terminating ends of the one or more optical fibers, and analyzing, by operation of a computer, the optical energy received at the light sensor.