Two-Laser DIAL Mirror Splitting for Long-Range Gas Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DIAL systems with two lasers suffer from 50% energy loss due to beam merging, reduced detection range, and sensitivity to atmospheric effects, with potential false detections or failures from blocked apertures.
Innovation Solution
Laser beams from both lasers are merged by a semipermeable mirror and divided into two, each carrying 50% of the energy, directed in parallel to the target through separate apertures, using a semipermeable and a totally reflecting mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If laser beams from both lasers are merged by a semipermeable mirror in a single output aperture, then the system structure is simplified, but 50% energy loss occurs and detection range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single merged beam into two separate beams, each passing through its own aperture. The first laser beam is split by a semipermeable mirror into two paths (50% through, 50% reflected), and the second laser beam follows a similar path. This segmentation eliminates the 50% energy loss associated with merging beams through a single aperture while maintaining system functionality.
2Device complexity
If laser beams from both lasers are merged by a semipermeable mirror in a single output aperture, then the system structure is simplified, but detection range drops to about 70%
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the beam path into two separate apertures instead of merging into one, the patent preserves the full energy of each laser beam. This prevents the 70% detection range reduction that occurs when 50% energy is lost in beam merging, while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple through the use of semipermeable and totally reflecting mirrors.
3Loss of energy
If two separate output apertures are used for each laser, then energy loss is avoided, but the laser beams propagate through different volumes of atmosphere causing false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the benefits of separate beam paths with controlled overlap. While each laser beam initially travels through different atmospheric volumes, the paths are arranged to overlap approximately 50% in the middle section towards the target. This merging approach ensures that both beams experience similar atmospheric conditions in the critical measurement region, improving detection reliability while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Loss of energy
If one of the output apertures is accidentally blocked in a two-aperture system, then false detection or prevention of real cloud detection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the blocking of one aperture can be detected through parameter changes in the received signal. The evaluation unit monitors the signals from both apertures and can identify when one path is blocked, allowing the system to adjust its operation or alert the operator, thereby maintaining detection reliability even when one aperture is obstructed.
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 arrangement maintains energy efficiency, maximizes detection range, minimizes atmospheric interference, and ensures detection capability even with blocked apertures, enhancing vision safety.
Implementation Method 1
the laser beam generated by the first laser impinges on a semipermeable mirror, where 50% of the laser beam power passes through the semipermeable mirror and proceeds through the first aperture towards the target and at the same time the remaining 50% of the laser beam power reflects from the semipermeable mirror
Implementation Method 2
the remaining 50% of the laser beam power reflects from the semipermeable mirror, impinges on a totally reflecting mirror from which it is reflected and is directed through the second aperture to the same target
Implementation Method 3
The invention relates to a method for the remote detection of gaseous substances in the atmosphere by a DIAL system with two lasers
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for remote detection of gaseous substances by a DIAL system includes causing a laser beam generated by a first laser to impinge on a semipermeable mirror, wherein 50% of the laser beam power passes through the semipermeable mirror and proceeds through a first aperture towards a target, wherein a remaining 50% of the laser beam power reflects from the semipermeable mirror and impinges on a reflecting mirror from which it is reflected. The method may also include causing a delayed laser beam generated by a second laser to impinge on the semipermeable mirror, wherein 50% of the laser beam power passes through the semipermeable mirror and impinges on the reflecting mirror from which it is reflected and is directed through the second aperture to the target and at the same time a remaining 50% of the laser beam power reflects from the semipermeable mirror.