Laser Beam Phase and Power Control for Atmospheric Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-range laser systems face challenges in maintaining precise focusing and angular alignment due to atmospheric turbulence, which affects the intensity distribution of laser radiation at the target point, leading to inefficiencies in power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that adjust both the radiation power and phases of individual laser beams based on real-time feedback from a sensor system, using a combination of multiple lasers and optical elements to compensate for atmospheric effects, and employing a modified multi-dither method to maximize intensity by modulating beam frequencies and powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If phase regulation of individual beams is used to compensate atmospheric effects, then light intensity at target point is increased, but the system does not account for intensity distribution changes caused by turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the actual intensity distribution of individual beams at the target point using sensor elements and using this information to regulate both phases and amplitudes of the beams. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to atmospheric turbulence effects in real-time, resolving the limitation of phase-only regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the control parameters from only phase regulation to include both phase and amplitude (radiant power) regulation of individual beams. By changing multiple parameters simultaneously, the system can compensate for both wavefront distortions and intensity distribution variations caused by atmospheric turbulence.
2Power
If multiple individual beams are coordinated and emitted via aperture to achieve long-range irradiation, then sufficient intensity at target is achieved, but atmospheric turbulence causes wavefront changes and intensity distribution variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by independently regulating the phase and amplitude of each individual beam based on locally detected intensity distribution at the target point. This localized control approach allows the system to maintain focusing precision and angular alignment for each beam individually, compensating for atmospheric turbulence effects that vary across different spatial locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic regulation by continuously monitoring the intensity distribution of individual beams and adjusting phases and amplitudes in real-time to compensate for atmospheric turbulence. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliable focusing precision and angular alignment despite changing atmospheric conditions during beam propagation.
3Productivity
If radiation power and phases of individual beams are adjusted based on detected information, then optimal distribution of primary power is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using the same sensor elements and control device for both detecting intensity distribution and regulating beam parameters. The control device simultaneously performs multiple functions: detecting intensity variations, calculating required phase and amplitude adjustments, and actuating the beam regulation elements. This universal approach improves transmission efficiency while limiting complexity growth.
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 enables efficient transmission of laser power, particularly in strong turbulence conditions, by optimizing the distribution of available power across individual beams, thereby enhancing the overall intensity of the laser beam at the target point.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device (3) is designed to receive light (8) reflected by the object (20)
Implementation Method 2
the individual laser beams pass through areas in the air with different densities in the presence of strong atmospheric turbulence, which causes the wavefront of the emitted laser radiation to change
Implementation Method 3
The beams can be superimposed coherently or incoherently at the target point
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1; 1a; 1b; 1c) for irradiating an object (20), comprising: a light emitting device (2) for emitting a laser beam (7) bundled from a plurality of individual beams (70) onto the object (20), wherein a radiation power and a phase of the individual beams (70) are adjustable; a sensor device (3) configured to receive light (38) reflected from the object (20) and to determine information from it regarding a change in the respective radiation power and the respective phase of the individual beams (70) during the light travel time to the object (20); and a control device (4) configured to adjust the radiation powers and the phases of the individual beams (70) depending on the information determined by the sensor device (3).