Hemispherical Beam Steering for Wide Field Angular Slew

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems, such as gimbaled beam directors and fast steering mirrors, are unable to rapidly and accurately redirect optical beams over wide fields of view or simultaneously point multiple beams at targets separated by large angles, often inducing vibration and consuming excessive power.

Innovation Solution

A beam steering system combining the optics of a hemispherical staring sensor and a fast steering mirror, capable of retargeting a laser between any two points within its field of regard in fractions of a second, achieving significantly higher angular slew rates and accelerations without accelerating large masses, thus reducing vibration and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If gimbaled beam directors are used to direct beams over large angular fields, then the field of view is improved, but the angular speed and response time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidangular speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beam steering function into two independent components: a fast steering mirror for high-speed angular adjustments and a beam director for wide field coverage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between wide field of view and high angular speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical system that maps the beam position on an image plane to angular direction. This intermediary mapping mechanism decouples the direct mechanical relationship between beam director angle and output beam direction, enabling rapid retargeting without mechanical slewing of the entire beam director assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If gimbal systems are used to slew beams across large angles, then the field of regard is improved, but the power consumption and vibration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of regardVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical slewing mechanism of traditional gimbals with an optical retargeting system using a fast steering mirror and image plane mapping. This substitution eliminates the need to mechanically accelerate large masses across wide angles, dramatically reducing power consumption and vibration while maintaining wide field coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If fast steering mirrors are used to achieve high angular rates, then the angular speed is improved, but the field of regard deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular rateVSAvoidfield of regard

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the capabilities of fast steering mirrors (high angular rate) with beam directors (wide field of regard) into a unified system. The fast steering mirror handles rapid angular adjustments within its limited range, while the beam director provides wide field coverage through optical retargeting, achieving both high speed and wide field of regard simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system provides rapid and precise redirection of optical beams over wide fields of view, enabling simultaneous targeting of multiple angles with reduced vibration and power requirements, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system for mapping a lateral displacement of a directed first beam incident on an image plane with an angular direction of a second beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical mapping: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS7657183B2Method and apparatus for hemispherical retargeting

Publication Date: 2010.02.02 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method and apparatus for steering energy over a wide field of view is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a beam steering system for directing a first beam from an optical source across an image plane and a WFOV optical system having the image plane, the WFOV optical system mapping the directed first beam incident on the image plane with a second beam extending angularly across the field of view. The method comprises the steps of directing a first beam from a optical source onto an image plane, optically mapping the directed first beam incident on the image plane with a second beam extending angularly across a field of view, and steering the first beam across the image plane.