MEMS Micro-Mirror Array for Multi-Target Laser Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser beam steering technologies face limitations in efficiently illuminating multiple targets within a field-of-view (FOV) due to mechanical steering's size, weight, power, and cost constraints, and non-mechanical approaches like optical phased arrays have limited ability to illuminate multiple targets quickly and accurately.
Innovation Solution
A multiple target tracker and beam steerer using a liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) for non-mechanical beam steering, capable of illuminating multiple targets per frame by processing video images and generating command signals to steer a pulsed laser spot-beam over a wide FOV, allowing for prioritization of targets based on range, heading, and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical beam steering is used, then the laser can be accurately pointed at a single target, but the system size, weight, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering components (mirrors, gimbals, moving parts) with an optical phased array that uses electronic phase modulation to steer the laser beam. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical structures while maintaining precise beam pointing capability through phased array technology that controls the phase and amplitude of light waves electronically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the laser system by using pulsed laser operation with variable pulse repetition frequencies and adjustable beam intensity. This allows the system to achieve multiple targets per frame by dynamically adjusting pulse timing and distribution, reducing the need for continuous mechanical scanning while maintaining tracking accuracy.
2Productivity
If traditional beam steering methods are used, then a single target can be tracked, but the ability to illuminate multiple targets quickly and accurately is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser beam into multiple independent beam spots using the optical phased array, allowing each beam spot to be independently directed at different targets. This segmentation enables simultaneous illumination of multiple targets within a single frame without requiring sequential mechanical scanning, thereby increasing productivity and target switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous laser operation with pulsed output that can be dynamically distributed to multiple targets throughout the frame period. By keeping the laser continuously active and using electronic beam steering to redirect pulses to different targets, the system achieves uninterrupted useful action across multiple targets without the downtime associated with mechanical repositioning.
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
Enables rapid and accurate illumination of multiple targets within a frame, improving target designation, range finding, and active imaging capabilities by providing a high steering rate and wide angular range, while reducing system complexity and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) is responsive to command signals to steer the laser spot-beam
Implementation Method 2
A liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) is responsive to command signals to steer the laser spot-beam
Implementation Method 3
A laser is configured to transmit a laser beam, typically pulsed
Implementation Method 4
Active imaging detects laser energy reflected by elements within a scene to form an image of the scene
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple target tracker and beam steerer utilizes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) micro-mirror array to illuminate multiple tracked targets per frame one target at a time for designation, range finding or active imaging. The steering rate and range afforded by the MEMS micro-mirror array supports various tracker configurations (out-of-band, in-band or dual-band video cameras), LADAR detectors (single pixel or pixelated) and prioritization of tracked targets to vary the revisit rate or dwell time for an illuminated target. A user interface accepts commands from an operator to select the targeting mode, control cue-box size and position within the FOV and target selection. The MEMS micro-mirror array may be used to reflect beams and/or optical signals, in some embodiments.