Multi-Spectral Laser Switching Mechanism for Residual Light Rejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multispectral laser transmitters using optical parametric amplifiers produce residual high pulse energy light during wavelength conversion, which can interfere with desired applications requiring specific wavelengths and stable pointing direction, especially in applications where only certain wavelengths are desirable and host platform motion affects output stability.

Innovation Solution

A modular switching system with a moveable carrier and optical members, supported by a rotatable axle, allows selective alignment of optical filters or mirrors within the laser beam path, using an actuator and controller to maintain alignment and stability, ensuring repeatable outputs at different wavelengths while rejecting unwanted light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical parametric amplifiers are used to produce multiple wavelengths, then wavelength versatility is improved, but residual pump light interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength versatilityVSAvoidresidual pump light interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful residual pump light from the laser beam using wavelength-selective optical elements (acousto-optic modulators and dichroic mirrors) that separate the desired wavelengths from the residual pump light, allowing the useful wavelengths to pass while blocking or redirecting the harmful residual light

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary optical components (acousto-optic modulators and dichroic mirrors) between the optical parametric amplifier and the output to mediate the interaction between the multi-wavelength beam and the residual pump light, enabling selective transmission of desired wavelengths while filtering out harmful residual light

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wavelengths are produced simultaneously, then application flexibility is improved, but pointing direction stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication flexibilityVSAvoidpointing direction stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-wavelength laser beam into separate wavelength components using acousto-optic modulators and dichroic mirrors, allowing each wavelength to be independently directed and stabilized, thereby maintaining pointing direction stability while preserving wavelength versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically controllable acousto-optic modulators that can be activated or deactivated for different wavelengths, allowing flexible wavelength selection while maintaining stable pointing direction through active control and stabilization mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If residual pump light is not filtered, then system complexity is reduced, but application reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidapplication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes residual pump light using wavelength-selective optical elements (acousto-optic modulators and dichroic mirrors) that separate the desired wavelengths from the residual pump light, ensuring application reliability by eliminating interference while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the laser output and adjust the acousto-optic modulators and dichroic mirrors to maintain consistent wavelength selection and residual light rejection, ensuring reliable operation without requiring overly complex filtering systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures stable and repeatable output at specific wavelengths, reducing interference from residual pump light and maintaining pointing direction stability despite host platform motion, enhancing the performance of multispectral laser transmitters.

Implementation Method 1

One characteristic of multispectral laser transmitters that use an optical parametric amplifier is that they can produce multiple wavelengths by conversion of a single pump wavelength through non-linear crystals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical parametric amplification:

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation:

Data Source

PatentUS20230387645A1Switching Mechanism for A Multi-Spectral Laser Transmitter

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An modular optical switching system and switching mechanism for a multispectral laser transmitter are provided. The system includes a modular housing; a moveable carrier connected to and disposed within the modular housing; a first optical member supported by the moveable carrier; and a second optical member supported by the moveable carrier. The moveable carrier is operable to selectively move the first optical member into alignment with a laser beam of the multispectral laser transmitter and to selectively move the second optical member into alignment with the laser beam of the multispectral laser transmitter.