Laser Controller Backscatter Feedback for Atmospheric Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-directed energy weapons, especially vehicle-mounted ones, face significant challenges due to atmospheric distortions and contamination, which reduce delivered intensity and impose operational limitations due to environmental variations and constraints on size and power management.
Innovation Solution
A laser controller system comprising an electromagnetic radiation source, a backscatter detector, and a processor that generates control signals based on detected backscattered radiation characteristics to enable or disable the laser operation and adjust power according to contamination levels, ensuring effective energy delivery to the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the laser operates at high power to maintain effective intensity delivery, then the energy delivery capability is improved, but the operational limitations due to thermal management and power generation constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors atmospheric conditions (humidity, temperature, pressure, contamination) and adjusts laser operation in real-time based on the feedback from these measurements. The processor receives sensor data and dynamically controls laser activation and power levels, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes both power delivery and operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system transitions from static operation to dynamic control, where the laser can be selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time atmospheric conditions. The system adapts its operational state (off, on, or modulated power levels) according to environmental factors, allowing optimal performance across varying conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser is operated in contaminated environments, then the operational versatility is improved, but the delivered intensity to the target deteriorates due to light scattering and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of atmospheric conditions before activating the laser. Sensors measure humidity, temperature, pressure, and contamination levels in advance, allowing the processor to determine whether the light path is suitable for effective laser operation. This preliminary action prevents laser activation under conditions that would result in poor energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time monitoring of atmospheric conditions provides continuous feedback to the control system, enabling dynamic adjustment of laser operation based on actual environmental conditions affecting light transmission.
3Weight of moving object
If the laser system is made compact and lightweight for vehicle mounting, then the mobility is improved, but the thermal management and power generation capabilities worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing environmental sensors (designed for other purposes such as navigation or environmental monitoring) to detect atmospheric conditions for laser control. This self-service approach allows the compact laser system to leverage available vehicle resources for atmospheric monitoring without adding dedicated heavy sensing equipment.
4Productivity
If the laser operates continuously to maintain readiness, then the operational readiness is improved, but the energy consumption and thermal load worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system employs periodic or conditional activation based on atmospheric conditions. The laser is activated only when environmental conditions are favorable for effective energy delivery, creating a periodic operation pattern that maintains readiness while reducing overall energy consumption and thermal load.
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 effectively manages laser operation by disabling the laser when high contamination is detected and increasing power when necessary, maintaining effective intensity delivery despite environmental factors, thus enhancing operational reliability and duration of vehicle-mounted LDEWs.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation source operable to transmit radiation into the environment
Implementation Method 2
a backscatter detector operable to detect backscattered radiation from the environment
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a laser controller comprising: an electromagnetic radiation source operable to transmit radiation into the environment; a backscatter detector operable to detect backscattered radiation from the environment; and a processor operable to generate a laser control signal based on characteristics of the detected backscattered radiation.