Laser Pulser System for LADS Sensor Background Light Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Laser Air Data System (LADS) sensors face challenges in accurately measuring airspeed and other flight parameters under icing conditions and in minimizing damage from bird strikes, while also requiring advanced and reliable air data measurement systems.
Innovation Solution
A laser pulser system incorporating an electromagnetic Faraday isolator is introduced, which enables pulsed laser operation and background light subtraction. The system includes a resonant circuit coupled to an electromagnet to generate an oscillating magnetic field, allowing the Faraday isolator to switch between 'on' and 'off' states, and a laser source producing pulsed laser output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If continuous laser operation is used, then measurement coverage is improved, but background light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsed laser operation instead of continuous operation. The Faraday isolator is driven by an oscillating magnetic field from an electromagnet connected to a resonant circuit, creating periodic on/off states. During the 'off' state, background light is collected; during the 'on' state, laser power data is collected. This periodic action allows background subtraction to eliminate interference while maintaining measurement coverage.
2Measurement precision
If pulsed laser operation is implemented, then background light subtraction accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Faraday isolator as an intermediary component to enable pulsed operation. The isolator uses an electromagnet with a resonant circuit to generate an oscillating magnetic field that controls the laser's on/off states. This intermediary mechanism provides a relatively simple implementation of pulsed operation compared to other pulsing methods, achieving background subtraction accuracy while limiting additional complexity.
3Power
If laser power is increased, then measurement signal strength is improved, but susceptibility to bird strike damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed operation with the Faraday isolator to control laser power delivery. By operating in short pulses rather than continuously, the system can deliver high power when needed for measurement while minimizing overall exposure time to potential bird strikes. The resonant circuit enables efficient energy delivery in pulses, reducing cumulative damage risk while maintaining signal strength during active measurement periods.
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 laser pulser system enhances the accuracy of airspeed measurements by enabling background light subtraction and improving the reliability of LADS sensors, while also reducing the risk of damage from icing and bird strikes.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic Faraday isolator
Data Source
AI summary
A laser pulser system is disclosed for a Laser Air Data System (LADS) sensor. The system may include a Faraday isolator. The Faraday isolator may include an electro-magnet which generates an oscillating magnetic field. A resonant circuit may be electrically coupled to the electro-magnet and may supply a current to the electro-magnet. The current may allow the isolator to oscillate between an “on” and “off” state. The system may also include a laser source which is coupled to the Faraday isolator. The laser source may produce a pulsed laser output.