Predictive Laser Wavefront Correction for High-Speed Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser irradiation systems face challenges in reliably targeting high-speed moving objects due to atmospheric fluctuations and the delay in wavefront correction, which affects the accuracy and reliability of laser beam delivery.
Innovation Solution
A laser irradiation apparatus that includes a search laser source emitting a search laser to predicted movement positions of the target, allowing for real-time acquisition of atmospheric fluctuations, and a meteorological meter for wavefront correction of the transmission laser based on acquired meteorological information, ensuring accurate wavefront correction even for high-speed targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wavefront correction is performed using traditional adaptive optics, then atmospheric fluctuation effects are reduced, but the correction accuracy deteriorates for high-speed moving targets due to time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary wavefront measurement using a search laser directed at the predicted future position of the target. By measuring atmospheric fluctuations in advance along the optical path where the target will be, the system obtains wavefront correction data before the main laser transmission, eliminating the time delay problem that plagues traditional adaptive optics systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the wavefront measurement function from the main laser transmission function by using a dedicated search laser source. This segmentation allows independent optimization of the measurement process and enables continuous tracking of atmospheric fluctuations without interfering with the primary laser beam delivery to the moving target.
2Measurement precision
If the search laser is emitted to the predicted movement position, then wavefront correction accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The search laser source and its associated wavefront sensor serve multiple functions: they measure atmospheric fluctuations for wavefront correction, track the predicted position of moving targets, and provide real-time atmospheric data for the main laser transmission. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating measurement and tracking capabilities into a single integrated subsystem.
3Measurement precision
If the search laser wavelength is different from the transmission laser wavelength, then atmospheric fluctuation measurement is improved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength difference between the search laser and transmission laser acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables clean separation of the measurement and transmission optical paths. This wavelength discrimination allows the system to independently optimize each function without cross-interference, simplifying the overall optical design despite the additional wavelength management requirements.
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 apparatus ensures reliable and accurate laser irradiation to high-speed targets by matching the optical path for atmospheric fluctuation acquisition and correction, improving wavefront correction accuracy and relaxing response speed demands for devices within the system.
Implementation Method 1
the search laser generated by the search laser source can be emitted to the predicted movement positions when the transmission laser generated by the transmission laser source is emitted to the target
Implementation Method 2
The wavefront of the transmission laser is corrected based on the meteorological information
Implementation Method 3
Correction of a wavefront of a laser is effective to reduce effects of atmospheric fluctuations
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser irradiation apparatus is provided with a controller that calculates at least one predicted movement position into which a target is predicted to move at a specific time in future, a transmission laser source that generates a transmission laser, irradiation optics configured to emit the transmission laser to the target and emit search laser to the predicted movement position and wavefront correction optics. The wavefront correction optics are configured to correct a wavefront of the transmission laser at the specific time based on observation light that returns when the search laser is emitted to the predicted movement position.