Graphite Laser Target Board for HEL Beam Intensity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods for accurately measuring the spatial and temporal intensity of high energy laser beams, especially in outdoor environments and on moving targets, due to the high temperatures and intensities involved, which have hindered the development of reliable and lightweight detection systems for HEL weapons and communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A laser target board apparatus composed of an energy barrier material like graphite and optical rods made of sapphire, combined with an optic fiber array and optional porous and diffuse reflector layers, allows for direct measurement of HEL beam intensity by converting excess energy into heat and using a modular, scalable design to withstand high temperatures and aerodynamic stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photo detector arrays are placed in direct path of HEL beams for measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but the detectors cannot withstand the high intensity and are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy barrier material (graphite panel) as an intermediary between the HEL beam and the optical detection system. This mediator absorbs and attenuates the high-intensity laser energy, converting it to lower intensity visible/near-IR light that the optical rods and cameras can safely detect, thereby protecting the detectors while enabling measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct optical detection with a multi-stage energy conversion system: HEL beam energy is first converted to thermal energy in the graphite panel, then re-radiated as visible/near-IR light, which is subsequently detected by optical rods and cameras. This substitution allows measurement of high-intensity radiation without exposing detectors to damaging energy levels
2Reliability
If thermal sensors or remote optical/thermal imaging are used for indirect measurement, then detector protection is improved, but measurement accuracy becomes inaccurate and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the HEL beam intensity distribution through the energy barrier material. The graphite panel absorbs the HEL beam and re-radiates the energy pattern as visible/near-IR light, which replicates the spatial intensity distribution. Optical rods then capture this copied light pattern, enabling accurate measurement without direct HEL beam exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermal radiation color changes (wavelength shifts) for measurement. The graphite panel heated by the HEL beam emits thermal radiation in the visible and near-IR spectrum, with the intensity and spectral distribution reflecting the original HEL beam characteristics. This wavelength transformation enables detection by standard optical cameras
3Reliability
If a robust measurement system is designed to withstand high temperatures, then reliability under HEL exposure is improved, but system weight increases and aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into functionally independent segments: the energy barrier panel (heat absorption), optical rods (light transmission), and camera array (detection). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function with minimal weight, rather than requiring the entire system to be heavily reinforced for thermal protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin graphite panel as the energy barrier instead of thick heavy shielding. The graphite material provides high temperature resistance and energy absorption in a thin, lightweight form factor that minimizes aerodynamic drag and weight while maintaining protective functionality
4Measurement precision
If direct measurement of HEL irradiance on moving targets is implemented, then measurement capability is improved, but system complexity and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal measurement system where the energy barrier panel and optical rod array can measure HEL beam characteristics across different spatial and temporal scales. The same basic configuration can detect both pulsed and continuous wave beams, and can be applied to various target types, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables measurement parameter adjustment through the optical properties of the energy barrier material and optical rods. By selecting materials with appropriate absorption and emission characteristics, the system can be tuned to detect different HEL beam parameters (intensity, duration, spatial distribution) without fundamental design changes
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 reliable measurement of both spatial and temporal intensity of high energy laser beams, with high optical power handling capabilities, reusability, and adaptability for aircraft applications, while maintaining accuracy despite flight aerodynamics and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
The panel is made of an energy barrier material capable of remaining mechanically intact at a temperature of at least 1,500 degrees Celsius when irradiated by an HEL beam
Implementation Method 2
The optical rods are configured to allow photons of the received HEL beam to be emitted through the optical rods
Implementation Method 3
Each optic fiber unit is configured to transmit a received photon from the first end of each optic fiber unit to the second end of each optic fiber unit
Implementation Method 4
At least one lens is configured to receive photons emitted from the second end of each optic fiber unit of the optic fiber array
Data Source
AI summary
A laser target board apparatus is provided for detecting spatial and temporal intensity distribution of high energy laser beams. The laser target board apparatus may include a panel having a plurality of openings and a plurality of optical rods placed therein. The laser target board apparatus may further have an optic fiber array positioned substantially parallel to and behind the panel and separated from the panel by a predetermined distance. At least one lens is configured to receive photons emitted from a second end of each optic fiber unit of the optic fiber array, and at least one camera is configured to detect the photons. A processor is configured to analyze temporal and spatial distribution of intensity of the received high energy laser beam based on data generated by the at least one camera.