초록 ▼

A laser separator defining an optical aperture is provided for transmitting outgoing high-energy laser pulses along an optical path through the optical aperture toward a targeted object, and for receiving return energy present along the same, but reciprocal, optical path and incident on the same opt

A laser separator defining an optical aperture is provided for transmitting outgoing high-energy laser pulses along an optical path through the optical aperture toward a targeted object, and for receiving return energy present along the same, but reciprocal, optical path and incident on the same optical aperture. The common optical aperture laser separator for reciprocal path optical systems includes a rotatable metallic disc having openings therethrough, and a highly polished substantially planar reflecting surface. The rotatable disc is so positioned in the reciprocal optical path that its normal is at a predetermined non-zero acute angle thereto. Each pulse of outgoing, high-energy laser energy passes unimpeded through the optical aperture and through the corresponding one of the openings onto a targeted object. A sensor receives the return optical energy present along the same, but reciprocal, optical path and incident on the optical aperture during the interpulse intervals. A controller and cooperative optics are operative in response to the sensor signals are provided for adapting the pointing direction and beam pattern characteristics of subsequent outgoing high-energy laser pulses for maintaining each of them on-target and in-focus. The system has application in laser welding, cutting, and melting, laser communications and surveillance, and laser pointing and tracking systems, among others.

대표청구항 ▼

A common optical aperture laser separator for reciprocal path optical systems, comprising: a laser source for time sequentially providing pulses of high-energy coherent substantially collimated and generally parallel rays of light in a first direction defining a first optical path; and means having

A common optical aperture laser separator for reciprocal path optical systems, comprising: a laser source for time sequentially providing pulses of high-energy coherent substantially collimated and generally parallel rays of light in a first direction defining a first optical path; and means having a planar specular surface and positioned along the first optical path defining an optical aperture in the region of the intersection thereof with the first optical path for transmitting the pulses of high-energy coherent light unimpeded directly through the optical aperture, and for deviating off of said planar specular surface during the interpulse intervals return substantially collimated and generally parallel rays of optical energy present along a second optical path that is the same as but reciprocal to the first optical path and incident on the optical aperture into a second direction different from said first direction in such a way that the substantially collimated and generally parallel rays of the return optical energy remains collimated after having been deviated by said planar surface.