LADAR Backscatter Obstructive Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
LADAR and LIDAR systems face challenges in aligning transmit and receive beams while preventing damaging levels of signal from reaching the receiver detector, particularly due to high-intensity backscatter that can damage receiver electronics.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a controllable obstructive element, such as a fold mirror, that moves into or out of the optical path based on measurements of the return optical signal's attributes, blocking excessive backscatter to protect the receiver detector and maintaining signal throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical aperture receives the return optical signal directly to the detector, then the signal throughput is maximized, but the receiver detector is damaged by high-intensity backscatter
Solution Approach 1:
The obstructive element is positioned in advance in the optical path between the optical aperture and the detector. Before the high-intensity backscatter reaches the detector, the obstructive element is already in place to block it. This preliminary positioning prevents damage before it occurs while allowing normal signal transmission when backscatter is not present.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstructive element serves as an intermediary component between the optical aperture and the detector. It mediates the interaction between the return optical signal and the detector by selectively blocking harmful backscatter while permitting useful signals to pass through to the detector for measurement.
2Reliability
If an obstructive element is placed in the optical path to block backscatter, then the receiver detector is protected, but the signal throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The obstructive element is designed with specific local properties - it is positioned at a specific location in the optical path and has specific optical characteristics that allow it to selectively block backscatter while transmitting useful return signals. This local quality enables differential treatment of different portions of the optical signal based on their origin and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstructive element is configured to be movable or adjustable within the optical path. It can dynamically change its position or orientation based on the presence and intensity of backscatter, allowing the system to optimize between protection and signal throughput by adjusting the obstructive element's state in response to real-time conditions.
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 solution effectively prevents damage to the receiver detector from high-intensity return signals while allowing necessary signal transmission, ensuring the integrity of the LADAR/LIDAR system's components and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The obstructive element is configured to block the return optical signal at least partly
Implementation Method 2
The LADAR system includes a mirror to reflect at least a portion of the return optical signal to the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A LADAR system includes a transmitter configured to emit a directed optical signal. The LADAR system includes an optical aperture through which the directed optical signal is emitted. The optical aperture receives a return optical signal that is based on the directed optical signal. The system includes a detector to generate a measurement by comparing an attribute of the return optical signal to a predefined threshold. The measurement is based on an amount of backscatter in the return optical signal. The system includes an obstructive element that is controllable, based on the measurement, to move either into or out of a path of the return optical signal. The obstructive element is configured to block the return optical signal at least partly. The system includes a focal plane located in the path of the return optical signal. The obstructive element is disposed between the optical aperture and the focal plane.