Reconfigurable Optical Waveguide Network for Ladar Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Hardware In The Loop (HWIL) testing systems are unable to effectively test active and semi-active ladar seekers due to limitations in generating target scenes that can be recognized by these types of sensors, particularly in simulating pulsed laser radiation with correct timing and variations in signal time delay.
Innovation Solution
A target scene generator using a reconfigurable optical waveguide network with delay elements and a controller to selectively couple light source pulses to pixel elements, providing selected time delay characteristics to simulate returned optical signals from a target, allowing for the testing of active and semi-active pulsed laser sensing apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reconfigurable optical waveguide network with delay elements is used, then the ability to simulate pulsed laser radiation with correct timing and signal time delay variations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide network is segmented into multiple delay elements, each providing a specific time delay. This segmentation allows precise control of signal timing by selectively activating individual delay elements, achieving accurate pulse timing without requiring a single complex delay mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide network is made reconfigurable through optical switching elements that can dynamically route light pulses through different delay paths. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the system to adapt timing characteristics in real-time, providing precise time delay control while maintaining a manageable device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reconfigurable optical waveguide network is used to selectively couple light source to pixel elements, then the adaptability for testing different seeker types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide network is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple testing functions. By configuring the same physical infrastructure to support different light source-to-pixel element coupling patterns, the system can test various seeker types and configurations without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each test scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical switching elements within the waveguide network enable dynamic reconfiguration of light paths. This allows the system to adapt its coupling configuration in real-time based on the specific test requirements, providing versatility while maintaining a single, integrated device structure rather than multiple fixed systems.
3Reliability
If delay elements are incorporated into the waveguide network, then the simulation of pulse spreading effects and signal time delay variations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delay functionality is segmented into discrete delay elements distributed throughout the waveguide network. Each element provides a specific, controlled time delay, and by combining multiple segmented delay elements in different configurations, the system achieves accurate simulation of pulse spreading and time delay variations without requiring a single monolithic delay device.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing a continuous range of delay values through a single complex mechanism, the system uses multiple delay elements that provide partial delay actions. By selectively combining these partial delays, the system achieves the required simulation accuracy while keeping individual components simple and manageable.
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 the simulation of target scenes for active and semi-active ladar seekers, providing light pulses with correct timing and delay characteristics, effectively testing these sensors in HWIL environments, thereby improving the testing capabilities for missile guidance systems.
Implementation Method 1
a reconfigurable optical waveguide network with delay elements and a controller to selectively couple light source pulses to pixel elements
Implementation Method 2
A target scene generator using a reconfigurable optical waveguide network with delay elements and a controller to selectively couple light source pulses to pixel elements, providing selected time delay characteristics to simulate returned optical signals from a target
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A target scene generator for testing an imaging ladar in a Hard Ware in the Loop arrangement, such as might be employed for testing an optical seeker on a guided missile, the generator comprising an array of pixel elements (10), a photodetector (20) for detecting incident light from a ladar a laser source (18) for generating pulses of light representing returned ladar pulses, and a reconfigurable fibre network (14) including an optical switch selectively coupling the laser (18) to the pixel elements, and a controller (22) which selectively reconfigures the fibre network, to present to selected pixel elements the pulses of light with selected time delay characteristics such that light emitted from the pixels represent light returned from a target illuminated by the ladar.