Laser Warning Receiver Using Merged Photodetector Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser warning receivers are large, power-intensive, costly, and prone to inaccuracies due to their complex structure and multiple channel processing requirements, which limits their effectiveness in detecting laser threats.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, high-accuracy laser warning receiver system utilizing a pulse detecting see-spot camera with an active pixel image sensor and a photodetector array, featuring multiple optical components with wide fields of view to provide omnidirectional or hemispheric detection of laser light, reducing the need for downstream processing and achieving precise azimuth and elevation direction detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser warning receivers use multiple single quadrate channels with A/D processing to cover 360° FOV, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity, size, weight, power consumption, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single quadrate channels into a single area detector array that provides omnidirectional detection. Instead of using 36 separate channeled receivers, the invention uses a single detector array with multiple optical components (at least four, preferably five) that map different portions of the sky onto different regions of the same detector, eliminating the need for complex downstream processing of multiple channels while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The area detector array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides omnidirectional detection coverage, eliminates the need for separate A/D processing channels, and integrates both detection and processing functions in a single device. The single detector array replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized channels, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Measurement precision
If conventional laser warning receivers use 36 channeled receivers to cover 360° FOV, then detection accuracy is improved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of 36 separate channeled receivers into a single area detector array system. By mapping multiple optical components onto a single detector array, the invention achieves comprehensive detection coverage and accuracy without the weight penalty of multiple separate receiver units, reducing overall system mass while maintaining precision
3Reliability
If conventional laser warning receivers use multiple A/D processing channels, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple A/D processing channels into a single processing architecture. By using a single area detector array instead of multiple channeled receivers, the invention eliminates redundant processing paths and reduces the number of A/D converters and associated processing electronics, thereby significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the redundant downstream processing requirements of multiple channels. By using a single area detector array with omnidirectional optical mapping, the system removes the need for complex multi-channel A/D processing, reducing power consumption by eliminating unnecessary processing overhead
4Measurement precision
If conventional laser warning receivers use complex multi-channel processing, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple expensive channeled receiver systems into a single area detector array configuration. This consolidation reduces the total number of components, simplifies the optical train, and eliminates the need for multiple A/D processing channels, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining or improving detection precision through the omnidirectional mapping capability
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 achieves high accuracy in laser light detection with reduced size, weight, and power consumption, offering a 5:1 cost savings over conventional systems while maintaining or improving detection capabilities, enabling precise omnidirectional or hemispheric threat detection.
Implementation Method 1
an active pixel image sensor comprising a read out integrated circuit and a photodetector array configured to detect laser light
Implementation Method 2
at least four optical components, each having a field of view of at least 90 degrees azimuth and 45 degrees elevation, wherein each of the at least four optical components is mapped to a separate portion of the surface of the photodetector array
Data Source
AI summary
A laser warning receiver system and method having at least four optical components mapped to a photodetector array to provide for omnidirectional detection of incident laser light. In some cases, a fifth optical component is mapped to the central portion of a photodetector array to provide hemispheric detection of laser light. The laser warning receiver system is configured to detect laser light in the NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and/or LWIR range using a single photodetector array and ROIC.