Quantum Cascade Laser Target Marker for Ambient Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal imaging devices require cooling and are not suitable for handheld, portable configurations at ambient temperatures, limiting their use in field environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable handheld or weapon-mounted device utilizing a quantum cascade laser to generate a thermal infrared beam within the 2-30 micron wavelength range, powered by a driver and collimating/focusing lens, allowing operation at ambient temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional lasers are used to generate thermal infrared radiation, then the wavelength spectrum requirement is met, but the device requires cooling to low temperature and cannot operate at ambient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional laser designs that require low-temperature cooling to a quantum cascade laser design that operates at ambient temperatures. This involves changing the fundamental operating parameters of the laser, specifically utilizing quantum cascade laser technology which is designed to emit in the thermal infrared spectrum (2-30 microns) while maintaining stable operation without active cooling systems.
2Device complexity
If conventional laser systems are used, then thermal infrared radiation is generated, but the device complexity increases due to cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the cooling system from the laser device. By using quantum cascade laser technology that inherently operates at ambient temperatures, the complex cooling infrastructure (heat sinks, fans, temperature control systems) is eliminated, significantly reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the required thermal infrared radiation generation capability.
3Ease of operation
If a portable handheld configuration is implemented, then portability is improved, but the laser must operate without cooling infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables portability by changing the operational parameters of the laser to allow ambient temperature operation. The quantum cascade laser is specifically designed to maintain reliable operation without active cooling, making the entire system portable and suitable for handheld or weapon-mounted configurations while preserving laser reliability in field conditions.
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
Enables a robust, portable thermal infrared beam marker that can be used with thermal imagers, providing effective target identification and imaging without the need for cooling, suitable for field environments.
Implementation Method 1
a quantum cascade laser retained in the interior of the housing for emitting a beam at a thermal infrared wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a collimating or focusing lens connected relative to the housing and located in the beam path
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld target marker is provided, wherein the target marker includes a housing retaining a quantum cascade laser, a collimating or focusing lens, a driver and a power supply. The quantum cascade laser produces a thermal infrared beam which can be selectively directed to impinge upon a target. The impinging beam is viewable by a thermal imager. The handheld target marker operates at ambient temperatures and incorporates the driver and power supply necessary for operation of the quantum cascade laser.