Multispectral LADAR Using Temporal Waveform Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LADAR systems face challenges in reducing complexity, cost, size, and power requirements while maintaining effective sensing capabilities for surface shape and reflectivity analysis.
Innovation Solution
A LADAR system utilizing a transmitter with a nonlinear element to create a multispectral incident beam pulse with unique intensity variations, processed by a single-pixel sensor and processor to derive target reflectivity, replacing traditional multi-spectral and multi-pixel technologies with a more compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multi-spectral LADAR systems use multiple sensors and optical elements to separate and detect different wavelengths, then measurement precision for target reflectivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral detection functions into a single sensor by using temporal waveform encoding. Instead of using multiple sensors simultaneously to detect different wavelengths, the system assigns unique time-domain waveform patterns to each wavelength component and uses a single sensor to detect them sequentially, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining spectral discrimination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the spectral detection problem from the spatial/frequency domain to the time domain. By encoding wavelength information into temporal waveform patterns, the system enables a single sensor to distinguish multiple wavelengths through time-resolved detection, effectively adding a temporal dimension to the detection process and eliminating the need for complex spatial separation optics
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional LADAR systems use multiple pixels and optical elements for spectral separation, then spectral detection capability is improved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectral detection channels into a single sensor element. By using temporal waveform encoding where each wavelength has a unique time-domain pattern, the system achieves multi-spectral detection capability with minimal hardware, significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional systems requiring multiple sensors and optical separation elements
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor in the patent performs multiple functions: it detects all wavelength components, resolves their spectral information through temporal waveform analysis, and provides time-of-flight data. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate detection channels for each wavelength, reducing overall system weight while maintaining full spectral detection capability
3Measurement precision
If traditional LADAR systems use complex optical elements for wavelength separation, then spectral resolution is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical wavelength separation systems (such as prisms, gratings, and beam splitters) with an electronic/software-based temporal encoding and decoding system. The spectral resolution is achieved through signal processing in the time domain rather than physical separation in the optical domain, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining spectral discrimination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from spatial/frequency domain separation to time domain waveform analysis. By encoding spectral information into temporal patterns and using cross-correlation or Fourier analysis to decode them, the system achieves spectral resolution without expensive optical separation elements, making the system more cost-effective to manufacture
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 accurate reflectivity determination and surface analysis with reduced size, weight, and cost, using a supercontinuum, monochromatic, or multispectral laser in conjunction with a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber or Pockels cell, enabling efficient operation in applications like missiles and autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A nonlinear element receives the original beam pulse and outputs a multispectral incident beam pulse. For each wavelength component of the incident beam pulse, a unique wavelength-dependent variation of intensity is imparted over the time duration of the incident beam pulse.
Implementation Method 2
In various embodiments according to this aspect of the invention, the laser is a supercontinuum laser.
Implementation Method 3
When the incident beam pulse is reflected from the target, a scattered beam pulse is created. The intensity of each wavelength in the scattered beam pulse is proportional to the reflectivity of the target at each wavelength.
Implementation Method 4
The receiver includes a single-pixel sensor for receiving the scattered beam pulse and measuring and outputting an intensity of the scattered beam pulse over time, which creates a scattered beam pulse envelope.
Data Source
AI summary
A LADAR having a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a laser for delivering an original beam pulse having a time duration. A nonlinear element receives the original beam pulse and outputs a multispectral incident beam pulse. For each wavelength component of the incident beam pulse, a unique wavelength-dependent variation of intensity is imparted over the time duration of the incident beam pulse. This creates a unique waveform shape for each component. Output optics direct the incident beam pulse onto a target, which reflects from the target as a scattered beam pulse. The receiver includes a single-pixel sensor for receiving the scattered beam pulse and measuring and outputting an intensity of the scattered beam pulse over time, which creates a scattered beam pulse envelope. A processor receives the scattered beam pulse envelope, applies factors to fit the waveform shapes to the scattered beam pulse envelope, and derives a reflectivity of the target for each of the wavelength components from the factors.