Retro Detector System Using Beam Splitters for Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light detection systems face challenges in accurately ranging targets with varying light intensities, as they struggle to handle both high-intensity cooperative targets and low-intensity non-cooperative targets within the same dynamic range without prior knowledge of the target.
Innovation Solution
The use of one or two beam splitters to reduce the intensity of reflected light, creating two optical return paths with different attenuation levels, allowing the system to support both high and low intensity dynamic ranges simultaneously, thereby increasing the effective dynamic range of the detection and ranging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the system uses a single detection path for all targets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates for high-intensity cooperative targets due to saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two separate optical paths: a first optical path with high attenuation for detecting high-intensity light from cooperative targets, and a second optical path with low attenuation for detecting low-intensity light from non-cooperative targets. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific intensity range, preventing detector saturation while maintaining sensitivity for weak signals.
Solution Approach 2:
Different attenuation characteristics are assigned to different parts of the detection system. The first optical path incorporates high attenuation elements (attenuation factor 10^-3 to 10^-6) specifically for handling high-intensity returns, while the second optical path maintains low attenuation for weak signals. This local differentiation of quality enables simultaneous accurate detection across the full dynamic range.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses separate detection paths for different intensity ranges, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single detector is designed to perform multiple functions by receiving signals from both optical paths simultaneously. The detector processes high-intensity signals from the first path and low-intensity signals from the second path within its linear response range, eliminating the need for separate detectors for different target types and reducing overall system complexity despite the dual-path configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuation elements and optical paths are merged into a unified detection architecture where both paths converge at a single detector. This combining approach allows the system to maintain multiple detection capabilities while using shared components, thereby reducing complexity compared to having completely separate detection systems for different intensity ranges.
3Measurement precision
If the system attenuates light for high-intensity targets, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy is reduced for detecting weak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is segmented into two distinct paths with different attenuation characteristics. The first path uses high attenuation (10^-3 to 10^-6) to bring down intense signals to the detector's linear range, while the second path uses minimal attenuation to preserve weak signals. This segmentation ensures that each path is energy-optimized for its specific signal intensity range.
Solution Approach 2:
Different energy transmission properties are assigned to different parts of the optical system. The first optical path is designed with high attenuation properties for handling high-energy returns, while the second path maintains low attenuation properties for preserving low-energy returns. This local quality differentiation optimizes energy utilization across the full dynamic range of target intensities.
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
This approach enables accurate ranging of targets with significantly different light intensities without reconfiguring the system, resolving ambiguity through time-separated pulses and reducing false triggers by correlating the intensity of the first and second pulses.
Implementation Method 1
In accordance with the invention, one or two beam splitters are utilized to reduce the intensity of reflected light that is received from a high intensity source to levels that can be accurately ranged.
Implementation Method 2
there exist some exceptional so-called cooperative targets, e.g., surveying prisms, that return thousands of times more light than typical non-cooperative targets
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection system duplicates the dynamic range of low intensity non-cooperative targets for high intensity cooperative targets. Both dynamic ranges of return light pulses are supported at the same time. In one embodiment, two beam splitters are used to reduce the intensity of reflected light that is received from high intensity sources to levels that can be accurately ranged. Ambiguity between the two paths is resolved by using an additional detector. Alternatively, one beam splitter is used to reduce the intensity of reflected light that is received from high intensity sources to levels that can be accurately ranged. The beam splitter system increases the effective dynamic range of the detection and ranging system passively without any need to reconfigure the system.