Laser Beam Intensity Profile Detection Using Enclosed Target Pod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for field testing laser beams face issues with fidelity and accuracy due to environmental factors like wind and the limitations of discrete detectors or reflected image methods, which result in incomplete and imprecise data on laser intensity and temporal profiles.
Innovation Solution
A laser detection system featuring a target pod with a curved dome and conical housing, equipped with a camera that captures the intensity distribution of the laser beam within an enclosed chamber, providing a stable and precise measurement of the laser beam's intensity profile and temporal characteristics, while being resistant to environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a prepared target with discrete detectors is used for field testing, then the laser beam intensity can be detected, but the spatial resolution of the data across the beam diameter is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an optical image (copy) of the laser beam spot on the prepared target. This optical copy provides continuous spatial information across the entire beam diameter without requiring discrete detectors at every point, thereby achieving high spatial resolution while avoiding the complexity of dense detector arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the laser beam and the detection system. The camera captures the reflected light from the prepared target and converts it into an image that represents the intensity distribution, serving as a mediator that provides detailed spatial information without direct contact with the high-intensity beam.
2Area of stationary object
If a large prepared target is used to intercept the full beam width from distant aircraft or vehicles, then the entire beam can be captured, but the target becomes far more susceptible to environmental factors such as wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-film prepared target that can be deployed on a lightweight support structure. The thin-film design reduces the target's mass and wind susceptibility while maintaining sufficient area to intercept the laser beam. The target material is designed to be taut and stable, minimizing wind-induced movements that would affect measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a rigid support structure with counterbalancing elements to stabilize the prepared target against wind forces. The support system incorporates tensioning mechanisms and anchoring points that counteract wind-induced movements, maintaining the target's position and orientation stable during laser beam interception.
3Measurement precision
If painted panels are used as prepared targets, then laser beam intensity data can be obtained, but the data is inherently imprecise due to variations in paint thickness and panel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multiple coats of paint to the prepared target in a controlled manufacturing process, allowing each coat to dry and level before the next is applied. This preliminary action ensures uniform paint thickness and consistent optical properties across the entire target surface, eliminating variations that would compromise measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses paint with specific optical properties that provide consistent reflectivity across the target surface. The paint formulation is designed to maintain uniform color and reflectance characteristics, ensuring that variations in measured laser intensity accurately represent beam profile variations rather than target surface inconsistencies.
4Measurement precision
If laboratory detection methods are used with calibrated detectors, then accurate laser beam characteristics can be measured, but the methods are highly impractical to take into the field due to geometrical growth of the beam at longer distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into two separate components: a simple prepared target that intercepts the laser beam and a camera-based detection system that measures the intensity distribution. This segmentation allows the target to be deployed in the field at various distances from the laser source, while the camera provides accurate measurements without requiring the entire detection system to be transportable like laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the laser beam intensity distribution using a camera. This copy can be captured and analyzed regardless of the distance between the laser source and the target, overcoming the limitation of laboratory methods that require the detector to be positioned at specific distances where beam geometry is manageable.
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 enables accurate measurement of laser beam intensity and temporal profiles across a large target area, unaffected by wind and environmental changes, providing precise data for laser system testing and evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
The target material is chosen such that a portion of the laser beam intensity across the entire beam passes through the target surface and illuminates the interior of the target surface when the laser beam strikes the target surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and device for evaluating the intensity profile of a laser beam. The laser detection system has a target surface with an interior and an exterior. The target surface and a housing create a target pod with an enclosed interior chamber. A beacon is provided at the target pod to provide for targeting. A camera is provided that images the interior of the target surface from within the enclosed interior chamber. Some percentage of the intensity of the laser beam passes through the target surface uniformly and illuminates the interior of the target surface when the laser beam strikes the target surface. The illumination of and subsequent scattering from the interior of the target surface is imaged by the camera for analysis. By detecting the laser intensity as a function of position, the intensity profile of the laser beam can be quantified.