Off-Axis Telescope Alignment Using Dynamic Steering Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-alignment systems for off-axis telescope systems cannot optimally align and focus high-energy beams due to the range-dependent nature of the energy beam's line of sight, which is not accounted for in their design.
Innovation Solution
An off-axis telescope system incorporating a primary optical element, angle sensors, a secondary optical element that can be translated along three orthogonal axes, and steering mirrors that can be tilted, controlled by a system that adjusts based on inputs from angle sensors and range data to align and focus the energy beam accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional auto-alignment system is used for an off-axis telescope, then the system structure is simple, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to range-dependent line of sight variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a translatable secondary mirror that can move along the optical axis and tilted steering mirrors that can rotate about two orthogonal axes. These dynamic components enable real-time compensation for range-dependent line of sight variations, allowing the system to maintain high alignment precision across different target distances by continuously adapting the optical path geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates angle sensors that detect the actual positioning of the energy beam and provide feedback signals to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables closed-loop control where the controller processes sensor data and generates control signals to adjust the secondary mirror and steering mirrors, thereby maintaining precise alignment despite range-dependent variations in the optical path
2Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary optical element is translated along three orthogonal axes and steering mirrors are tilted, then the alignment adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary mirror serves multiple functions: it reflects the energy beam onto the primary mirror, translates along the optical axis to adjust focus for different ranges, and can be positioned at different lateral locations to compensate for off-axis angles. The steering mirrors similarly perform both beam steering and alignment compensation functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each adjustment function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the first steering mirror is positioned to receive the beam from the optical reference source and direct it to the second steering mirror, which in turn directs the beam to the secondary mirror. This nested arrangement of steering mirrors allows compact integration of multiple adjustment functions within a confined optical path, managing complexity through hierarchical organization of components
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 enables precise alignment and focusing of energy beams on targets, accounting for range-dependent line of sight adjustments, ensuring accurate steering and focusing of high-energy beams in off-axis configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a primary optical element configured to reflect an energy beam from an optical reference source
Implementation Method 2
the secondary element is configured to reflect off the energy beam onto the primary optical element
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of angle sensors to detect an angular motion of the energy beam from the optical reference source reflected off the primary optical element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An off-axis telescope having a primary optical element configured to reflect an energy beam from an optical reference source that emits the energy beam along an optical path. The telescope includes angle sensors arranged on a periphery of the primary optical element to determine angular motion of the energy beam from the optical reference source. The angle sensors are operable to be biased to positional settings associated with a desired pointing direction of the energy beam. A secondary optical element is arranged in the optical path and translated along three orthogonal axes. A plurality of steering mirrors arranged between the optical reference source and the secondary optical element is configured to be tilted in response to a control signal. A controller auto-aligns the telescope by at least translating the secondary optical element and tilting the steering mirrors via the control signal using at least inputs from the plurality of angle sensors.