Compact Closed-Loop Bypass Optical Beam Sensing for Drift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems face challenges with beam-to-beam far-field alignment drift due to thermal issues and laser performance changes, leading to loss of target tracking or low-quality tracking in high-energy laser systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a compact closed-loop bypass optical beam sensing and correction system using spatial separation of optical beams, with divergence and steering control provided by refractive elements and reflective mirrors, and a closed-loop active control mechanism to maintain beam alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional beam alignment systems are used, then beam alignment can be maintained, but system size, weight, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam alignment stabilityVSAvoidsystem size, weight, and power

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensing function from the main optical beam path by using a separate sample beam that is spatially separated from the primary beam. This allows independent measurement of beam alignment without interfering with the main beam, reducing the need for complex integration while maintaining alignment stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary sample beam that carries alignment information from the main beam to the sensor. This sample beam acts as a mediator, allowing the system to monitor and correct alignment drift without requiring direct sensing of the main beam, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If thermal compensation mechanisms are added, then beam alignment stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam alignment stabilityVSAvoidelectro-mechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the sensor continuously monitors the sample beam alignment and provides real-time correction signals to adjustment mechanisms. This automatic feedback loop compensates for thermal drift and other alignment disturbances without requiring complex manual intervention or oversized compensation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment compensation systems with a combination of optical sampling and electronic control. By using a separate sample beam and electronic sensors rather than purely mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the system achieves thermal compensation with reduced electro-mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If beam sampling is performed, then beam alignment measurement is enabled, but beam energy is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam alignment measurementVSAvoidbeam energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a partial sample of the main beam rather than measuring the entire beam. By extracting only a small portion of the beam energy for sensing purposes while allowing the majority of the beam to continue uninterrupted, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision with minimal energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy or sample of the main beam that contains the necessary alignment information. This copied sample beam can be measured without affecting the main beam's energy or function, enabling precise alignment measurement while preserving the main beam's integrity and energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 maintains precise beam alignment with low size, weight, and power consumption, enhancing target tracking accuracy and reducing electro-mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an optical device configured to spatially separate a first optical beam and a second optical beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a steering controller configured to adjust a steering direction of the second optical beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

divergence control provided by refractive elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

steering control provided by reflective mirrors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250258368A1Compact closed-loop bypass optical beam sensing and correction

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An apparatus includes an optical device configured to spatially separate a first optical beam and a second optical beam. The apparatus also includes a divergence controller configured to adjust a divergence of the second optical beam and a steering controller configured to adjust a steering direction of the second optical beam. The apparatus further includes a far field sensor configured to receive a sample of the second optical beam after adjustment of the divergence and the steering direction of the second optical beam and generate measurements of the sample. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one controller configured to control the divergence controller and the steering controller based on the measurements of the sample.