Coherent Beam Combining Laser Phase Control With Parallel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power laser systems using coherent beam combining techniques are limited by the large configuration of optical components and require highly accurate alignment, which becomes impractical as the number of signals increases, and the band characteristics of photodetectors and frequency discriminator circuits restrict the number of signals that can be effectively combined.
Innovation Solution
A laser device with a light distributor, optical phase controllers, light amplifiers, a front optical system, a reflective optical system, photodetectors, and phase locked loops that generate phase control signals to compensate for phase errors, allowing for increased signal numbers and reduced device configuration by converting interference light signals into electric signals for phase error compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number of signals N is increased in coherent beam combining, then higher power laser output is achieved, but the configuration of optical components becomes huge and alignment accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent channels, each with its own photodetector and phase control mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to handle fewer signals individually, reducing the complexity burden on any single component while enabling scalable combination of N signals for high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional multiplexing in the optical domain to parallel processing in the electrical domain. By using multiple photodetectors to convert optical signals to electrical signals independently, the system adds a dimensional shift from optical signal combination to electrical signal processing, thereby reducing optical component complexity.
2Power
If the number of signals N is increased, then higher power laser output is achieved, but highly accurate adjustment of alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using photodetectors to detect the optical signals and generate electrical signals that are fed back to control the phase and alignment of each channel. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically compensates for alignment errors, reducing the stringency of manual alignment accuracy requirements while enabling high power output from multiple signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional photodetector and frequency discriminator circuit configurations are used, then phase control is achieved, but the number of signals is limited by band characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns dedicated photodetectors to different signal channels, segmenting the detection function across multiple independent components. This allows each photodetector to handle a manageable number of signals within its bandwidth capabilities, while the overall system can combine N signals by distributing them across multiple detection channels, thereby increasing adaptability without exceeding individual component limitations.
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 configuration enables a higher number of signals to be combined while reducing the device size and maintaining efficient phase control, overcoming the limitations imposed by photodetector and frequency discriminator band characteristics, and improving manufacturing ease and environmental robustness.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photodetectors converting each of a plurality of interference light signals generated by multiplexing of the plurality of partially reflected light signals and the local oscillation light into a plurality of electric signals
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optical phase controllers generating a plurality of phase control light signals by performing variable phase control on each of the plurality of light signals
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light amplifiers generating a plurality of amplified light signals by amplifying the plurality of phase control light signals
Implementation Method 4
a front optical system forming a plurality of light beams by collimating the plurality of amplified light signals
Implementation Method 5
a reflective optical system multiplexing the local oscillation light with the plurality of partially reflected light signals by reflecting the local oscillation light input from the light distributor in a direction of the front optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A laser device includes element circuits, a front optical system, and a reflective optical system. The front optical system forms a plurality of light beams by collimating a plurality of phase modulated light signals input from the element circuits, and generate a plurality of partially reflected light signals by partially reflecting the plurality of phase modulated light signals. The reflective optical system multiplexes the input local oscillation light with the plurality of partially reflected light signals by reflecting the local oscillation light in a direction of the front optical system. The element circuits can convert each of a plurality of interference light signals generated by multiplexing of the plurality of partially reflected light signals and the local oscillation light into a plurality of electric signals, and can detect a phase error between the plurality of electric signals and a reference signal.