Laser Communication Path Clearing With Continuous-Wave Obstacle Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser communication systems face challenges in maintaining signal-to-noise ratio due to obstacles such as solid materials and water droplets, which traditional methods like pulse laser beams struggle to address effectively, especially in high-speed communication scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A laser communication system utilizing a high-power continuous-wave laser beam to remove obstacles by fusing or destroying them, combined with a light-attenuating filter to manage beam intensity, ensuring secure transmission paths without physical rubble removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pulse laser beam is used to remove water droplets, then water droplet removal is achieved, but the average output is difficult to improve and solid obstacle removal is not effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the laser by switching from pulse mode to continuous-wave mode, and adjusts the wavelength to match the absorption characteristics of the obstacle material. This allows the laser to deliver sustained high power to effectively remove solid obstacles while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the continuous-wave laser beam to create intensity variations that enhance obstacle removal effectiveness. The periodic action allows the laser to maintain high average power while creating controlled heating and ablation effects on solid obstacles.
2Reliability
If a high-power laser beam is used to fuse and destroy distant objects, then obstacle removal capability is improved, but high-speed modulation becomes difficult and communication applicability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser system into two distinct functional components: a high-power continuous-wave laser for obstacle removal and a separate communication laser for data transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the high-power laser focuses on reliable obstacle removal while the communication laser maintains high-speed modulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as an acousto-optic modulator or electro-optic modulator) that can rapidly modulate the communication laser without affecting the high-power laser's obstacle removal function. This intermediary allows high-speed modulation to be achieved while preserving the obstacle removal capability.
3Reliability
If obstacles are present in the transmission path, then communication cannot be carried out, but removing obstacles requires complex physical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical obstacle removal systems with a laser-based ablation system. Instead of using physical devices to clear obstacles, the system uses focused high-power laser beams to vaporize and remove obstacles from the transmission path, dramatically simplifying the overall system complexity while improving communication availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection of obstacles in the transmission path using optical sensors or radar, followed by automated laser ablation to remove them before they can block communication. This preliminary action ensures communication availability is maintained proactively rather than reactively.
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
Enables high-speed and secure laser communication by effectively clearing transmission paths, even in the presence of debris or space debris, without requiring extensive physical intervention or infrastructure changes.
Implementation Method 1
A laser communication system utilizing a high-power continuous-wave laser beam to remove obstacles by fusing or destroying them
Implementation Method 2
combined with a light-attenuating filter to manage beam intensity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A solid obstacle is removed with a high-power laser beam to establish a transmission path for a spatial laser communication. When a space in which the laser beam is transmitted is blocked off by the solid obstacle, the spatial laser communication cannot be carried out.