Thermal Marking System With Laser Diode Array And Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal target marking systems using quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) face inefficiencies and practical limitations due to divergent beams, reduced intensity after shaping, and high heat generation, making them unsuitable for hand-held or long-range applications.
Innovation Solution
A target marking system incorporating multiple light sources with an optics assembly for beam formation and adjustment, along with a cooling element and a power management system using converters and capacitors to maintain constant current, enabling efficient thermal radiation emission and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam shaping techniques are used to increase resolution, then beam width is reduced, but beam intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high-power laser source into multiple lower-power laser diodes arranged in an array. Each diode emits a beam that is individually shaped and directed, then all beams are combined to form a single high-intensity, high-resolution output beam. This segmentation allows resolution enhancement through individual beam control while maintaining overall intensity through combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple laser beams from individual diodes using optical elements such as lenses or mirrors to create a single composite beam. The merging process integrates the energy from multiple lower-intensity sources into one high-intensity beam while maintaining the resolution benefits of individual beam shaping.
2Speed
If QCL is used to emit thermal beams, then beam divergence is inherent, but additional componentry is required to shape the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the beam generation function across multiple laser diodes rather than relying on a single QCL. Each diode produces a manageable beam that requires minimal shaping, and the array configuration naturally provides directional control, reducing the need for complex additional componentry.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser diode array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates thermal radiation, provides beam directionality through its geometric arrangement, enables intensity control through individual diode modulation, and reduces divergence through the array configuration itself, eliminating the need for separate beam shaping components.
3Temperature
If QCL is used as light source, then heat generation is high, but power efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive, heat-prone QCL with multiple inexpensive laser diodes that have better power efficiency. While individual diodes generate heat, the distributed architecture allows for easier thermal management, and the overall system achieves better energy-to-light conversion efficiency, extending operational time between battery replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing the power consumption across multiple laser diodes rather than a single QCL, the system improves overall power efficiency. Each diode operates at lower power levels with better conversion efficiency, and the segmented approach allows for more effective heat dissipation, reducing the total heat generation while maintaining beam output.
4Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power QCL, then power supply is limited, but operational time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the inefficient QCL with multiple energy-efficient laser diodes that consume less power from battery sources. This substitution extends operational time significantly, allowing the handheld device to function for longer periods on the same battery charge or replacement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed laser diode array consumes power more efficiently than a centralized QCL, allowing extended operational time from battery power sources. The segmented power consumption across multiple low-power diodes reduces the total energy draw, enabling longer field operations without requiring larger or more frequent battery replacements.
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 system achieves improved beam intensity and resolution, reduced power consumption, and extended operational time, making it suitable for hand-held and long-range thermal target marking applications.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling element thermally connected to the light source
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to generate a beam of thermal radiation
Implementation Method 3
an optics assembly configured to form an emitted beam from the respective beams and to direct the emitted beam toward the target
Implementation Method 4
marking a target with thermal radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A target marking system includes a light source configured to emit a beam of thermal radiation and to impinge the beam onto a target. The system also includes a detector configured to collect radiation passing from the target to the detector along a path. The radiation passing from the target in response to impingement of the beam onto the target. The system further includes an optics assembly disposed optically upstream of the detector along the path. The optics assembly includes at least one of an afocal power changer, a camera objective, a catadioptric lens, and a zoom system configured to condition the radiation passing from the target to the detector.