Optical Beam Alignment Using Risley Prisms and Rotating Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser air data sensors require manual alignment by personnel both pre-flight and during flight, and misalignment can occur during shipment, especially when technical expertise is lacking.
Innovation Solution
A beam alignment system using Risley prisms and optical plates to automatically align optical beams, allowing for robust alignment that maintains orientation under vibratory, temperature, and pressure changes, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alignment by personnel is used, then initial alignment can be achieved, but misalignment occurs during shipment and technical ability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-aligning optical elements that automatically maintain beam alignment through their inherent design properties, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and technical personnel during shipment and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are pre-configured with specific geometric properties that enable them to self-correct and maintain alignment, so the alignment action is performed in advance during manufacturing rather than requiring ongoing manual adjustment
2Reliability
If rotating optical elements are used, then alignment robustness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating optical elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide alignment adjustment, maintain alignment under environmental changes, and enable self-correction, reducing the need for separate alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable optical elements that can rotate to adapt to environmental changes, providing active compensation for misalignment rather than relying on static rigid mounting
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 provides a robust and simplified method for beam alignment that maintains alignment in harsh environments, reducing the susceptibility to misalignment and vibration, and simplifies the alignment process.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical wedge and a second optical wedge aligned with one another along the optical axis so as to form a Risley prism configured to adjust an angle of the optical beam relative to the reference beam
Implementation Method 2
a first optical plate and a second optical plate aligned with one another along the optical axis and disposed in the beam path of the optical beam between the Risley prism and the optical amplifier configured to adjust a lateral position of the optical beam relative to the reference beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method for seeding an optical beam (106) includes, emitting an optical beam (106) from an energy source towards an optical amplifier along an optical axis, and rotating one or more optical elements disposed with in the beam path of the optical beam (106) between the energy source and the optical amplifier about the optical axis to a align the optical beam with a reference beam.