Gated Conjugation Laser for Multi-Target Designation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser designation systems for multiple targets require complex and expensive setups with narrow beams, necessitating precise calibration and stabilization, which is inefficient and costly when dealing with multiple intercepting platforms and targets.
Innovation Solution
A laser system utilizing a phase conjugation laser receiver and transmitter with a processing unit to generate a modified laser signal with increased pulse repetition frequency, allowing multiple pulse series to be assigned to each target, enabling efficient targeting and homing using a wide-angle laser beam without the need for stabilization systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser designators are used to designate multiple targets simultaneously, then each target can be accurately designated, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser designator functions into a single laser system by using pulse series multiplication. One laser designator generates N pulse series simultaneously, each series designated for a different target, replacing the need for N separate laser designators. This merging approach maintains accurate target designation while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser designator is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve multiple targets simultaneously through the generation of N distinct pulse series. Each pulse series contains unique characteristics (such as different pulse repetition frequencies or codes) that allow intercepting platforms to distinguish and track their assigned targets,从而使 one device performs the function of multiple devices.
2Measurement precision
If narrow laser beams are used for accurate target designation, then pointing precision is improved, but calibration requirements and stabilization needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static narrow beams to dynamic wide-angle beams that can adapt to multiple target positions. The laser designator uses a wide beam that covers multiple targets simultaneously, and the system dynamically assigns specific pulse series to specific targets based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for precise mechanical stabilization and complex calibration of beam pointing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam divergence parameter from narrow to wide, and compensates by modifying the temporal parameters of the laser signal (pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, coding). By encoding target identification information in the temporal domain rather than relying on spatial precision, the system achieves accurate multi-target designation without requiring narrow beams and their associated stabilization systems.
3Device complexity
If a single laser designator uses wide-angle beam to illuminate multiple targets, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately direct energy to specific targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulse trains with distinct repetition frequencies for different targets. Each target is assigned a specific pulse series with a unique pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The laser illuminator transmits these periodic pulse trains through the wide beam, and intercepting platforms synchronize to their assigned PRF to filter and process only the relevant reflected signals from their designated targets, achieving energy concentration in the temporal domain despite spatial dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where intercepting platforms detect the reflected laser signals and provide information back to the laser designator about signal quality and target acquisition status. The processing unit uses this feedback to adjust pulse series assignment and modulation parameters, ensuring that each platform receives sufficient energy concentration for accurate tracking and homing, even with the wide beam illumination.
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 and efficient targeting of multiple targets with a single laser system, reducing costs and complexity by using a wide-angle beam and phase conjugation to amplify and direct reflected signals back to intercepting platforms, thus improving the precision and efficiency of missile guidance.
Implementation Method 1
the PCLRT is further configured to perform gating for at least one reflection set, in order to allow, one pulse reflection, reflected from a given target, to be amplified by the amplifier, reflected by the phase conjugation mirror and returned in the direction of the given target
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter includes a laser system, comprising with a phase conjugation laser receiver and transmitter (PCLRT) and at least one processing unit and configured to enable simultaneous designation of multiple platforms each to a respective target.