Laser Radar Optical Assembly for Simultaneous Wavelength Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser radar systems suffer from system instability and polarization issues due to a large rotating scanning mirror, which limits the ability to focus different wavelengths simultaneously and restricts the field of view, necessitating a more stable and compact optical solution.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical assembly that integrates a light source, lens, scanning reflector, and fixed reflector to direct pointing and measurement beams along a line of sight, eliminating the need for a movable scanning mirror, and allowing for simultaneous focusing of visible and infrared wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large rotating scanning mirror is used for beam pointing, then beam direction control is achieved, but system instability and polarization issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating scanning mirror system with an optical assembly that uses fixed mirrors and beam steering through optical path modulation. This substitution eliminates the mechanical rotation that causes instability while maintaining beam direction control capability through optical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic rotating scanning mirror from the system entirely. Instead of modifying the mirror, the solution takes out the entire rotating mirror mechanism and replaces it with a stationary optical assembly that achieves beam pointing through alternative optical pathways.
2Ease of operation
If a large rotating scanning mirror is used for beam pointing, then beam direction is controlled, but polarization issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mirror system with a stationary optical assembly that uses fixed mirrors and optical path steering. This substitution eliminates the polarization issues caused by mechanical rotation and mirror surface interactions while maintaining effective beam direction control.
3Productivity
If an existing optical system is used, then beam transmission is achieved, but different wavelengths cannot be focused simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical assembly with achromatic properties that enable it to handle multiple wavelengths (visible and infrared) simultaneously. The optical elements are configured to focus different wavelengths onto the same focal plane, allowing the system to perform multiple functions with a single optical pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs achromatic optical design that changes the optical parameters of the system to accommodate different wavelengths. By adjusting the optical path and using achromatic lenses or mirror combinations, the system can focus both visible and infrared wavelengths simultaneously at the same focal point.
4Ease of operation
If an existing optical system with a scanning mirror is used, then laser beam pointing is achieved, but the field of view of the camera is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the scanning mirror that was limiting the camera's field of view. By extracting this component and replacing it with a stationary optical assembly, the camera can capture a wider field of view without the mechanical scanning constraints, while laser beam pointing is maintained through the optical assembly.
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 solution provides a stable and compact optical system that enhances beam transmission and reception, improves field of view, and allows for accurate distance measurements by focusing both wavelengths simultaneously, reducing system instability and polarization issues.
Implementation Method 1
the retroreflector comprises a corner cube that has at least three reflective surfaces that are oriented so that: (i) the pointing and measurement beams from the source are reflected through the corner cube to a plane mirror; (ii) the pointing and measurement beams reflected from the plane mirror are again reflected through the corner cube
Implementation Method 2
a lens, a scanning reflector and a fixed reflector that co-operate to focus the pointing and measurement beams from the light source along a line of sight that extends through the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A compact optical assembly for a laser radar system is provided, that is configured to move as a unit with a laser radar system as the laser radar system is pointed at a target and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the laser radar. The optical assembly comprises a light source, a lens, a scanning reflector and a fixed reflector that are oriented relative to each other such that: (i) a beam from the light source is reflected by the scanning reflector to the fixed reflector; (ii) reflected light from the fixed reflector is reflected again by the scanning reflector and directed along a line of sight through the lens; and (iii) the scanning reflector is moveable relative to the source, the lens and the fixed reflector, to adjust the focus of the beam along the line of sight.