Optical Jammer for Autonomous Target Detection Disruption
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems are insufficient in reliably and autonomously detecting and disrupting continuous target tracking by an opposing side, particularly for land vehicles and slow-flying platforms, as they do not effectively prevent or suppress target detection and tracking.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a detector, a warning device, an optical interferer, and a directional device that generates a multi-spectral light signal with variable wavelengths to create interference, reducing contrast and making target detection impossible, and includes a spectral analyzer to adapt the interference signal to the background for effective camouflage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser or LED systems are used to cause visual impairment, then temporary blinding effect is achieved, but reliable and autonomous detection of target tracking is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the defense function into separate modules: detector for target acquisition detection, warning device for alerting, optical jammer for disruption, and directional device for precise targeting. Each module performs a specific function, improving overall reliability while allowing independent optimization of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector continuously monitors for target acquisition attempts before they become a threat, and the warning device prepares the system in advance. When target tracking is detected, the jamming signal is immediately activated, preventing the threat from materializing rather than reacting after damage occurs.
2Reliability
If laser beam is directed directly at attacker to suppress target acquisition, then target tracking is disrupted, but eye safety cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The jamming signal is directed precisely at the target acquisition device location using the directional device, concentrating the disruption effect where needed while minimizing exposure to surrounding areas. The system adjusts signal characteristics based on the specific location and type of detected threat.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical jammer varies the jamming signal parameters including wavelength, intensity, and pulse rate dynamically. The system adjusts these parameters based on distance measurements and detected threat level, using higher intensities for distant threats and lower intensities for close threats to maintain disruption effectiveness while ensuring eye safety.
3Reliability
If jamming signal intensity is increased to ensure target tracking disruption, then contrast reduction is improved, but eye safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where the detector monitors target acquisition attempts, the rangefinder measures distance to the threat, and this information feeds back to the optical jammer to dynamically adjust signal intensity. This closed-loop control ensures the jamming signal is strong enough to disrupt tracking while remaining safe for human eyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The jamming signal intensity, wavelength, and pulse rate are dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions including distance to threat, type of detected device, and environmental factors. The system transitions smoothly between different operational modes rather than using fixed intensity levels.
4Device complexity
If single wavelength laser is used for jamming, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different detection systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical jammer is designed to operate across multiple spectral ranges including visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared wavelengths. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to counter various types of detection systems (human vision, optical cameras, infrared sensors) without requiring separate jamming devices for each spectral band.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple laser sources or a tunable laser capable of emitting at different wavelengths, creating a composite spectral output. This allows the jammer to adapt to different detection systems by selecting or combining appropriate wavelength components from the available spectral ranges.
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 effectively disrupts target detection and tracking by creating a glare effect that reduces contrast, making it impossible for the opponent to recognize the target, and can adapt to different spectral ranges and distances to ensure eye safety and camouflage against the background.
Implementation Method 1
The optical jammer is configured to provide a multispectral light signal, in particular a pulsed or continuous laser signal, as a jamming signal
Implementation Method 2
a device for determining a spectral range of radiation from a spatial area (e.g., a spectral analyzer)
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A system (100) for jamming a target acquisition originating from a position and detectable by a detector (50) is disclosed. The detector (50) provides a detection signal (105) in response to the target acquisition. The system (100) comprises: a warning device (110) for issuing a warning (115) when the detector (50) issues a detection signal (105); an optical jammer (120) configured to provide at least one jamming signal (125); and a directional device (130) configured to direct the jamming signal (125) toward the position in response to the issued warning (115) in order to prevent or at least impede target acquisition.