Shared-Aperture Coherent Beam Combination for Turbulence Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coherent beam combination systems are limited by atmospheric turbulence and require two optical telescopes of comparable size, which restricts their effectiveness in high-turbulence conditions and non-cooperative targets.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a shared optical aperture for both transmitting and receiving radiation, with adaptive optical elements and a control subsystem to adjust beam parameters based on intensity signals from detectors, enabling turbulence correction and image optimization without wavefront sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two optical telescopes of comparable size are deployed for CBC systems, then beam transmission and target imaging can be performed, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate optical telescopes into a single shared aperture system. The first transceiver and second transceiver both utilize the same optical aperture for beam transmission and reflected radiation collection, eliminating the need for duplicate telescope assemblies while maintaining the capability to perform both beam transmission and target imaging functions
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical aperture serves multiple functions: it transmits coherent beams from both transceivers towards the target and simultaneously collects reflected radiation from the target for both detectors. This multi-functional design allows a single optical component to replace what would traditionally require two separate telescope systems
2Reliability
If traditional CBC systems are used, then coherent beam combination can be achieved, but the systems are limited to low-turbulence conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detectors in each transceiver receive reflected radiation from the target and generate signals that are fed back to the control subsystem. The control subsystem uses these signals to adjust beam parameters in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to and compensate for atmospheric turbulence effects that would otherwise limit coherent beam combination performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes beam parameters based on detected turbulence conditions. The control subsystem modifies at least one parameter of each transceiver (such as phase, amplitude, or pointing direction) based on signals from the other transceiver's detector, allowing the system to maintain coherent beam combination effectiveness across varying turbulence 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 coherent beam combination and turbulence correction in high-turbulence conditions, improving the effectiveness of high-power laser systems for non-cooperative targets by optimizing beam intensity and image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a first beam emitting subsystem configured to generate a first plurality of coherent beams
Implementation Method 2
collect, via the aperture, radiation reflected from the target
Data Source
AI summary
A first transceiver has a beam emitter that generates first coherent beams, and first optics that direct the first coherent beams towards a target and collect radiation reflected from the target. A second transceiver has a beam emitter that generates second coherent beams, a detector, and second optics having an aperture. The second optics directs the second coherent beams towards the target via the aperture, collects radiation reflected from the target via the aperture, and guides a first radiation component of the collected radiation, that corresponds to the first coherent beams, to the detector. The detector generates, from the first radiation component, a signal indicative of an intensity of radiation impinging on the target corresponding to the first coherent beams. A control subsystem is associated with the transceivers and modifies at least one parameter of the first transceiver based on the intensity signal.