Mid-Infrared Semiconductor Laser Missile Plume Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for testing and verifying optical sensors that detect missile launches are complex and expensive, making them difficult to test regularly and requiring a low-cost, less complex solution to simulate various optical sources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system using intensity-controlled high-brightness light sources, including optically pumped semiconductor lasers and quantum-cascade lasers, to simulate time-varying optical signatures by varying the intensities of multiple wavelengths, allowing for the simulation of missile plumes and other infrared sources with precise control and modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional complex testing systems are used to simulate optical sources, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified optical copies of complex missile plume signatures using semiconductor lasers that emit multiple wavelengths. Instead of using actual missile plumes or complex natural sources, the invention synthesizes accurate spectral copies using controlled laser emissions at specific wavelengths (e.g., 3.8 microns and 4.5 microns) that replicate the key characteristics of missile combustion signatures, enabling accurate sensor testing without the complexity of traditional sources
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the intensity parameters of individual laser wavelengths independently to simulate varying missile plume conditions. By adjusting the output power of each semiconductor laser wavelength separately, the system can reproduce different spectral signatures corresponding to various missile types, flight phases, and environmental conditions, achieving high measurement precision through parameter control rather than physical complexity
2Measurement precision
If traditional testing systems are used, then optical signature simulation accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and regular testing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or complex optical systems with electronically controlled semiconductor lasers. The intensity of each wavelength is controlled through electrical current modulation rather than mechanical filters or moving parts, making the system easier to operate and more suitable for regular testing. The electronic control allows rapid reconfiguration of spectral signatures without physical reassembly or complex alignment procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength sources are used to simulate various optical signatures, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple semiconductor laser wavelengths into a single integrated optical output using beam combining optics. The system merges emissions from different laser diodes (e.g., 3.8 micron and 4.5 micron sources) into one collimated beam that can be directed through a single optical path to the sensor under test, achieving multi-wavelength adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through optical merging rather than separate testing paths
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 provides a cost-effective and simplified method for testing optical sensors by accurately simulating various optical signatures, including missile plumes, with high precision and flexibility, enabling regular verification of sensor performance without the complexity of traditional testers.
Implementation Method 1
two separate optically pumped semiconductor lasers, each of which is optically pumped by a separate laser-diode stack
Implementation Method 2
each laser outputs a desired infrared wavelength
Implementation Method 3
separate laser-diode stacks that are driven by separate electrical-current-waveform-generating circuits
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus and process that includes control electronics that generate an electronic control signal; and a plurality of optically or electrically pumped semiconductor lasers, quantum-cascade lasers, optical parametric generators, or optical parametric oscillators, operatively coupled to the control electronics, that output an optical signal having a plurality of wavelengths, each wavelength having an output intensity that each of which is varied over time to simulate a combustion signature of a weapon. In some embodiments, the optical signal includes at least two different infrared wavelengths that are varied differently with time.