GC-SOA Coherent Beam Combining for Scalable High-Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Laser Weapon Systems (LWSs) based on fiber lasers/amplifiers face challenges with scalability due to their large, heavy, and complex nature, while chip-scale integrated coherent beam combining techniques suffer from low power, poor scalability, and high optical loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a chip-scale integrated coherent beam combining system using an array of grating-coupled semiconductor optical amplifiers (GC-SOAs) with phase shifters and phase masks, including a multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) device, to coherently combine SOA output beams into a single output beam with a Gaussian profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fiber lasers/amplifiers are used for LWS, then high power output is achieved, but the system becomes large, heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the laser generation into multiple independent GC-SOA elements arranged in an array, where each element contributes to the final combined beam. This segmentation allows chip-scale integration while achieving high total power through coherent combination of multiple beams
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple GC-SOA output beams are coherently combined using phase masks and phase shifters to produce a single high-power output beam. The coherent combination merges the power of individual elements while maintaining beam quality and directionality
2Device complexity
If chip-scale integrated CBC techniques are used, then device size is reduced, but power output and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The chip-scale system uses an array of segmented GC-SOAs that can be independently controlled and combined. This segmentation enables scaling to higher powers by adding more elements to the array while maintaining chip-scale integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-element to multi-element arrays, adding spatial dimensionality to the chip-scale system. The array configuration allows power scaling by increasing the number of elements in the array while maintaining compact form factor
3Device complexity
If chip-scale integrated CBC techniques are used, then device size is reduced, but optical loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical beam combining methods with optical phase control using phase masks and phase shifters. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and associated losses while enabling efficient coherent combination of beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the phase and amplitude parameters of individual GC-SOA beams to optimize coherent combination efficiency. By adjusting these parameters, the system maximizes constructive interference and minimizes optical losses in the combining 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
This approach enhances scalability and power efficiency, achieving high-power output with reduced optical loss and improved mission readiness for LWSs.
Implementation Method 1
an array of grating-coupled semiconductor optical amplifiers (GC-SOAs) arranged along a surface of a substrate, where the array of GC-SOAs receive seed light from a common seed source, where the array of GC-SOAs provide an array of SOA output beams associated with amplification of the seed light
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of phase masks configured to coherently combine the array of SOA output beams into a single output beam
Implementation Method 3
one or more phase shifters configured to provide that the SOA output beams are phase-locked
Data Source
AI summary
A light source may include an array of grating-coupled semiconductor optical amplifiers (GC-SOAs) arranged along a surface of a substrate, where the array of GC-SOAs receive seed light from a common seed source, and where the array of GC-SOAs provide an array of SOA output beams associated with amplification of the seed light at a non-zero angle from the surface of the substrate. A light source may further include one or more phase shifters configured to provide that the SOA output beams are phase-locked.