Multi-Wavelength Laser Assembly with Pulsed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal beacons or flashlights used in military and civilian environments lack the capability to effectively provide multiple, disparate light sources with varying wavelengths for applications like identification, surveillance, search and rescue, targeting, and navigation, especially in adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A light source assembly comprising a housing assembly with multiple laser sources of different wavelengths (long-wavelength infrared, mid-wavelength infrared, short-wavelength infrared, near-infrared, and visible) and a control system that allows for selective activation and pulsing of these sources, along with a power source and thermal shield for efficient operation and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser sources with different wavelengths are integrated into a single assembly, then the versatility and applicability of the light source is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources (first laser source, second laser source, and optionally third and fourth laser sources) with different wavelength ranges into a single integrated light source assembly. This merging approach allows the system to provide multiple disparate light sources in one unit, improving versatility while managing complexity through unified housing and shared power/control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source assembly is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions across different applications (identification, surveillance, search and rescue, targeting, navigation) by incorporating laser sources that emit across multiple wavelength ranges (visible, near-infrared, short-wavelength infrared, mid-wavelength infrared, and long-wavelength infrared), allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized devices.
2Illumination intensity
If high peak power is provided by the laser sources, then the long-range visibility and detection capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is configured to direct pulses of current from the power source to the laser sources in specific duty cycles, causing the laser sources to emit light in pulsed alternating sequences. This periodic action allows high peak power to be achieved during pulse periods for long-range visibility, while the duty cycle control reduces average power consumption by allowing cooling periods between pulses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser sources operate simultaneously, then the coverage of different wavelength ranges is improved, but the power source requirements and thermal management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The control system directs pulses of current to different laser sources in alternating duty cycles, ensuring that not all laser sources operate simultaneously. This periodic operation allows each laser source to receive adequate cooling time between pulses, managing thermal loads effectively while still providing comprehensive wavelength coverage across visible, near-infrared, short-wavelength infrared, mid-wavelength infrared, and long-wavelength infrared ranges.
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 effective identification, surveillance, search and rescue, targeting, and navigation in various conditions by providing high peak power, long-range visibility, and efficient power usage, while being compact and rugged for diverse operational environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first laser source generates a coherent, first output beam that is directed away from the housing assembly. In certain embodiments, the first output beam has a first center wavelength that is in a long-wavelength infrared range of between approximately eight and fifteen micrometers.
Implementation Method 2
The second laser source generates a coherent, second output beam that is directed away from the housing assembly. In certain embodiments, the second output beam has a second center wavelength that is in a mid-wavelength infrared range of between approximately three and eight micrometers.
Implementation Method 3
In certain embodiments, at least one of the first laser source and the second laser source includes a quantum cascade gain medium.
Data Source
AI summary
A light source assembly includes a housing assembly, a plurality of disparate light sources that are coupled to the housing assembly, a power source, a control system and a selector assembly. Each of the light sources generates an output beam that is directed away from the housing assembly, wherein each of the output beams has a center wavelength that is in a different wavelength range than each of the other output beams. The power source provides electrical power to each of the light sources. The control system selectively controls the electrical power that is provided by the power source to the light sources. The selector assembly is electrically connected to the control system, and is selectively controllable to selectively direct current to each of the light sources to generate the desired output beams.