Night Vision Target Illuminator Beam Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing night vision target illuminators using laser diodes pose an eye hazard due to sharp imaging of the source, and conventional LED-based systems are inefficient and poorly suited for unnoticed observation under difficult conditions.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based target illuminator with a defined beam expansion to create an extended source, reducing radiance and preventing sharp imaging, ensuring eye safety by adhering to the maximum permissible exposure value for extended sources, using at least two optics to achieve a beam cross-section of at least 5mm and adjustable components to control divergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a laser diode is used as the illumination source, then the illumination efficiency and intensity are improved, but the device poses an eye hazard due to sharp imaging of the source
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple optical elements (first optical element, second optical element, third optical element) that work together to expand the beam and control divergence. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high illumination intensity and extended source characteristics that prevent sharp imaging in the observer's eye, thereby resolving the eye hazard problem while maintaining intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the point-source laser emission into an extended source by expanding the beam cross-section through multiple optical elements. This dimensional transformation from a concentrated point source to an expanded area source prevents sharp imaging in the observer's eye while maintaining the high intensity needed for effective illumination.
2Device complexity
If LED is used as the illumination source, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination efficiency and performance under difficult conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the illumination source from LED to laser diode, which provides superior illumination efficiency and performance under difficult conditions such as fog. The associated optical elements are designed to manage the laser's beam characteristics, achieving a balance between performance and acceptable device complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If laser radiation is emitted with high power, then the illumination distance is extended, but the eye safety is compromised due to exceeded maximum permissible exposure value
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple optical elements (first optical element, second optical element, third optical element) that work together to expand the beam and control divergence. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high illumination intensity and extended source characteristics that prevent sharp imaging in the observer's eye, thereby resolving the eye hazard problem while maintaining intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the point-source laser emission into an extended source by expanding the beam cross-section through multiple optical elements. This dimensional transformation from a concentrated point source to an expanded area source prevents sharp imaging in the observer's eye while maintaining the high intensity needed for effective illumination.
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 solution allows for high-intensity illumination over long distances without posing a risk to eyes, ensuring safe observation of targets while adhering to eye safety standards, unlike previous laser systems which were either hazardous or poorly illuminated.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source (2) which emits radiation (10) in the wavelength range between 700 nm and 1400 nm
Implementation Method 2
at least two optics (3, 4) are arranged downstream of the laser source (2). The emission (10) of the laser source (2) is expanded in a defined manner by the first optics (3)
Implementation Method 3
The emission (10) of the laser source (2) is expanded in a defined manner by the first optics (3), so that the beam has a beam cross-section of at least 5mm before it enters the second optics (4), thus reducing the radiance
Implementation Method 4
The laser radiation is emitted in a defined divergent manner by a second optic (4) arranged downstream of the first optic (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The arrangement has a radiation source (7) transmitting electromagnetic radiation and a receiving and connecting possibility for an energy source. An optical unit (8) changes radiation characteristic of the radiation source. The radiation source and the optical unit are arranged in a housing, where the divergent emitted electromagnetic radiation is limited to a value in its radiation intensity.