Multi-Wavelength Laser Alignment Sensor for Angular Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser alignment sensors lack the ability to simultaneously and persistently monitor and correct angular misalignments of multiple laser sources with different wavelengths, leading to inefficiencies in laser output power and wavelength diversity.
Innovation Solution
An alignment sensor system comprising a dispersing prism, focal plane array detector, and processor, which uses a prism to disperse and focus laser beams for simultaneous wavelength separation and angular error correction, enabling continuous feedback for motorized mirrors to adjust alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple laser sources with different wavelengths are combined to increase output power and wavelength diversity, then laser output power and wavelength diversity are improved, but angular alignment precision deteriorates due to difficulty in monitoring and correcting alignment errors across different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using a focal plane array detector that spatially separates different wavelength components of the combined laser beam. Each pixel or group of pixels on the focal plane array corresponds to a specific wavelength range, allowing independent measurement of angular alignment for each wavelength. This segmentation enables precise monitoring of alignment errors across multiple wavelengths simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between increased power diversity and maintained alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dispersing element (prism or diffraction grating) as an intermediary between the combined laser beam and the detector. This intermediary component spatially disperses the different wavelength components across the focal plane array, enabling wavelength-specific alignment measurement. The intermediary transforms the angular alignment information of multiple wavelengths into spatially separated signals that can be measured independently, thus maintaining precision while handling multiple wavelengths.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laser alignment sensors are used to monitor angular alignment, then alignment monitoring is achieved, but the system becomes complex and cannot provide simultaneous monitoring across multiple wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple alignment monitoring functions into a single focal plane array detector. Instead of using separate sensors for each wavelength, the focal plane array simultaneously detects angular alignment errors for all wavelength components in a single measurement. This consolidation reduces the number of individual sensors and associated processing systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive multi-wavelength monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The focal plane array detector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures angular alignment for all wavelengths, provides wavelength discrimination through spatial separation, and generates comprehensive alignment data for feedback control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while enhancing monitoring capability across the entire wavelength spectrum.
3Measurement precision
If persistent feedback loop correction is implemented for angular alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the system requires complex monitoring and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the focal plane array detector continuously monitors angular alignment errors for all wavelengths, and the measured errors are fed back to adjust the laser sources or optical elements. This persistent feedback loop maintains high alignment accuracy by dynamically correcting deviations. The feedback mechanism is simplified by the fact that a single focal plane array provides all necessary alignment data for all wavelengths, eliminating the need for multiple independent feedback loops.
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
The system achieves microRadian-level alignment accuracy, maximizing laser power on target by persistently correcting angular errors in multi-wavelength laser systems, with reduced size, weight, and power requirements, and improved flexibility and stability across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The dispersing prism receives the beam for deflection and wavelength separation as transmission into a plurality of dispersion beams
Implementation Method 2
The transform lens focuses the plurality of dispersion beams towards the focal plane array to yield data
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment sensor is provided for a laser system that emits a coherent beam. The sensor includes a dispersing prism, a focal plane array detector, a processor, and a transform lens. The dispersing prism receives the beam for deflection and wavelength separation as transmission into a plurality of dispersion beams. The transform lens focuses the plurality of dispersion beams towards the focal plane array to yield data. The focal plane array detector transmits the data. The processor receives the data.