Fiber Laser Ladar System Using Circulator and Amplifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LADAR systems face challenges with signal handling efficiency, signal quality, system cost, size, weight, and alignment issues, particularly due to the use of discrete optical components and reflective losses in diode pumped solid state lasers.
Innovation Solution
A LADAR system utilizing a fiber laser with a three-port circulator, semiconductor optical amplifier, and Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers to generate and amplify laser signals, combined with fiber optic components for improved signal transmission and reception, reducing alignment requirements and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete optical components are used in conventional LADAR systems, then the system can transmit and receive laser signals, but the system suffers from alignment issues and reflective losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete optical components into an integrated fiber optic system where the fiber laser, circulator, and amplifiers are coupled through fiber optic connections. This merging eliminates the need for precise alignment of discrete components and reduces reflective losses by using fiber optic interfaces instead of discrete optical component interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiber optic components as intermediaries to connect the laser source, circulator, and amplifiers. These fiber optic intermediaries serve as mediators that transmit optical signals without requiring precise alignment, thereby reducing alignment complexity while maintaining signal handling efficiency.
2Power
If diode pumped solid state lasers are used, then laser beams can be generated, but the system experiences unavoidable reflective losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the laser system by using a fiber laser instead of a diode pumped solid state laser. This parameter change in the laser type eliminates reflective losses while maintaining the ability to generate high-power laser beams suitable for LADAR applications.
3Measurement precision
If conventional LADAR transceivers are used, then target detection can be performed, but the system cost and size are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated system where the fiber laser serves as both the light source and the signal transmission medium, the circulator handles both transmission and reception functions, and the amplifiers boost signals in both directions. This universality reduces the overall system complexity, size, and cost while maintaining target detection capability.
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 configuration enhances laser light generation efficiency, improves signal-to-noise ratio, reduces system alignment and cost, and minimizes reflective losses, leading to improved performance and efficiency in LADAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber laser capable of generating a laser signal; a semiconductor optical amplifier coupled to the fiber laser; an Erbium-doped fiber amplifier coupled to the semiconductor optical amplifier
Implementation Method 2
a three-port circulator coupled to the Erbium-doped fiber amplifier, the circulator capable of directing the generated laser signal to an optical path and routing a reflected laser signal to a detector
Implementation Method 3
a detector capable of detecting the received reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A laser radar system and a method for use in a laser radar system are disclosed. More particularly, the laser radar system includes a fiber laser capable of generating a laser signal; a first optical path through which the generated laser signal may be transmitted; a second optical path through which a reflection of the transmitted laser signal may be received; and a detector capable of detecting the received reflection. The method includes generating a laser signal from a fiber laser; transmitting the laser signal; receiving a reflection of the transmitted laser signal; and detecting the reflection.