Optical Phased Array Focus Control for SWIR Range Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems are limited to single functions like range finding, target designation, or active illumination due to fixed field of view limitations, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies, especially when targets are at varying distances, and require mechanically interchangeable lenses which are heavy and impractical for use on aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A controllable optical phased array system with continuous adjustable focus and defocus capabilities, allowing the same optical transmitter to switch between narrow and wide field of view based on operational requirements, using an optical phased array between the transmitter and beam director, controlled by a processor to adjust the infrared beam's focus and defocus for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a narrow field of view is used to maximize range for range finding and target designation, then range and pointing accuracy are improved, but the field of view becomes too narrow for active illumination applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic field of view adjustment by controlling the optical phased array to switch between focused and defocused states. The controller receives operational mode inputs and dynamically adjusts the beam characteristics, allowing the system to adapt between narrow field of view for range finding/target designation and wide field of view for active illumination, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the infrared beam by adjusting the focus/defocus state of the optical phased array. By modifying beam divergence and field of view parameters based on operational requirements, the system achieves both narrow beam precision for range finding and wide beam coverage for illumination using the same hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically interchangeable lenses are used to change field of view for different functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens interchangeability system with an optical phased array that uses electronic control to adjust beam characteristics. Instead of physically swapping lenses, the system uses phase modulation and focus control through the optical phased array, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to switch between narrow and wide field of view modes
Solution Approach 2:
The optical phased array serves multiple functions that would traditionally require different optical components. A single optical phased array device provides both the narrow field of view needed for range finding and target designation and the wide field of view required for active illumination, eliminating the need for multiple interchangeable lenses and reducing overall system complexity
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 multi-mission support for range finding, target designation, and active illumination with dynamic adjustment of the field of view without the need for mechanical lenses, maintaining target indicator size and accuracy across varying distances, and improving operational efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
an optical phased array positioned in the optical path between the first optical transmitter and the beam director; and a controller operatively coupled to the optical phased array and configured to direct the optical phased array to defocus the infrared beam to broaden a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
Electro-optical sighting systems and methods are provided. One example includes a optical transmitter configured to emit an infrared beam along an optical path toward a target, a beam director positioned in the optical path and having a plurality of optical elements configured to direct the infrared beam and to collect reflected infrared radiation from reflection of the beam from the target, a focal plane array detector configured to receive reflected infrared radiation from the beam director, an optical phased array (OPA) positioned in the optical path between the optical transmitter and the beam director, and a controller operatively coupled to the OPA and configured to direct the OPA to defocus the infrared beam to broaden a field of view of the optical transmitter for active illumination, and focus the infrared beam to narrow the field of view of the optical transmitter for range determination and/or target designation.