Optical Laser Diode Driver Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wired-based systems for controlling high average power diode pumped lasers are prone to latency and aging issues, making precise control of laser diodes challenging, especially in applications like Inertial Fusion Engines where synchronized operation is critical.
Innovation Solution
An optical control system that uses a laser diode controller to generate encoded optical signals for current and duration values, transmitted to laser diode drivers via an optical transmitter and receiver, eliminating the need for complex wiring and reducing latency, and allowing for precise control of each laser diode independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired-based systems are used to control laser diodes, then electrical connections can be established, but latency and aging issues occur that degrade control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with optical wireless communication. The controller transmits control signals and receives feedback data via optical signals (light) rather than electrical wires, eliminating the latency and aging issues associated with conventional wired systems while maintaining reliable control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical communication intermediary (optical transmitter and receiver) between the controller and laser diode drivers. This intermediary converts electrical control signals to optical signals for transmission, thereby eliminating direct electrical connections and their associated problems while preserving signal integrity and timing
2Ease of operation
If conventional wired-based systems are used to control laser diodes, then electrical connections can be established, but complex wiring systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex physical wiring infrastructure with optical wireless communication. Instead of installing and managing extensive electrical wiring between the controller and each laser diode driver, the system uses optical signals transmitted through air or vacuum, dramatically simplifying the physical system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the wiring system entirely from the control architecture. By eliminating the need for physical electrical connections between controller and drivers, the system reduces installation complexity, maintenance requirements, and physical space requirements while maintaining full control functionality
3Reliability
If conventional wired-based systems are used to control laser diodes, then control signals can be transmitted, but electrical noise interferes with signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission. By using light instead of electrical currents to carry control signals and feedback data, the system eliminates susceptibility to electrical noise, ground loops, and electromagnetic interference that plague wired electrical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices that convert between electrical and optical domains. The controller generates electrical signals, which are converted to optical signals for noise-free transmission, then converted back to electrical signals at the receiver, effectively isolating the control system from electrical noise
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 optical control system reduces system complexity, minimizes aging-related performance degradation, and eliminates electrical noise, ensuring precise and synchronized operation of laser diodes, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of high power laser systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal generator can receive the current value and the duration value from the laser diode controller and generate an optical signal comprising encoded data that includes the current value and the duration value
Implementation Method 2
an optical transmitter can transmit the optical signal
Implementation Method 3
The laser diode driver in conjunction with the optical receiver may receive the optical signal, decode the encoded data
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for controlling a plurality of laser diodes includes an optical transmitter coupled to the laser diode driver for each laser diode. An optical signal including bi-phase encoded data is provided to each laser diode driver. The optical signal includes current level and pulse duration information at which each of the diodes is to be driven. Upon receiving a trigger signal, the laser diode drivers operate the laser diode using the current level and pulse duration information to output a laser beam.