Laser Target Seeker Diffractor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser target seeker technologies, such as quadrant detectors and two-dimensional matrices, suffer from low accuracy due to wire interference and increased capacitance, which affects the signal-to-noise ratio and overall precision in detecting reflected laser beams for guiding missiles or similar flyable bodies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of diffraction means, such as lens or kinoform elements, to split the reflected laser beam into portions before detection, allowing for separated detector elements with reduced wire interference and smaller detector sizes, thereby increasing the fill factor and signal-to-noise ratio, and using amplifying means close to the detector elements to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional matrix of detector elements is used to improve measurement precision, then the accuracy of determining target position is improved, but wire interference and increased capacitance increase, which deteriorates the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple independent detector elements, each with its own amplifier circuit placed immediately adjacent to it. This segmentation allows each detector element to be electrically isolated, reducing capacitive coupling between adjacent detectors and minimizing wire interference effects on the signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
Amplifier circuits are introduced as intermediary components positioned directly next to each detector element. These amplifiers act as intermediaries that boost the signal from each detector element before it travels through long wires to the processing unit, thereby reducing the impact of wire interference and capacitance on the overall signal quality.
2Area of stationary object
If detector elements are placed close together to cover the entire field of view, then the coverage area is improved, but wire interference affects the detector elements, deteriorating the fill factor and measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple independently amplifiable elements, each with dedicated amplifier circuits placed immediately adjacent to it. This segmentation allows tight packing of detector elements for full field of view coverage while maintaining electrical isolation through separate amplifier paths, preventing wire interference from degrading measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If amplifier circuits are placed far from detector elements to simplify wiring, then the wiring complexity is reduced, but capacitance increases, which deteriorates the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier circuits are merged with the detector elements by placing them immediately adjacent to each other, forming integrated detector-amplifier modules. This merging minimizes the wire length between detectors and amplifiers, thereby reducing capacitance and improving the signal-to-noise ratio, while the modular design keeps the overall wiring structure manageable.
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 approach significantly improves the accuracy of detecting reflected laser beams by reducing wire interference, minimizing capacitance, and increasing the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for more precise targeting without radiation loss, while also reducing material costs and simplifying electronic design.
Implementation Method 1
diffraction means arranged relative to the detector elements and configured to diffract the reflected laser beam into portions prior to being detected by the detector elements
Implementation Method 2
the diffraction means comprises focusing means configured such that the respective diffracted portions of the laser beam is focused prior to being detected by the detector elements
Data Source
AI summary
A laser target seeker device arranged to receive a laser beam reflected from an object. Detector elements are arranged to detect the reflected laser beam. A processor is arranged to determine the received radiation on the respective detector element in order to determine the origin of the laser beam. A diffractor is arranged relative to the detector elements and configured to diffract the reflected laser beam into portions prior to being detected by the detector elements. The detector elements are arranged to detect the respective portion. A flyable body is for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A system for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A method for detecting a laser beam reflected from an object. Use of a kinoform member in a laser target seeker for diffracting a laser beam.