Abstract A command guidance, ranging, and night vision system is provided which utilizes a single optical source. A gallium arsenide laser diode array generates pulses of optical energy in response to high frequency modulation by a transistor driver. The laser array is cryogenically cooled allowing diode array operation at high average power and enhancing the output wavelength. An image intensifier tube with a gating power source therefor is synchronized with the array output pulse, being gated on only when the reflected return signal is expected, sometime after the array output pulse is transmitted. The night vision intensifier tube is used in conjunction with the diode array by an operator to locate a target. When a target is located the gating capability of the night vision device is used to determine the range from the operator to the target.
Inventors
👤 G Starkey
👤 R Sitton
👤 J Duke
👤 W Miller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-24 14:17
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/20; F41G7/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A command guidance transmitter system including a single optical source for providing night vision, target ranging, and commanding a missile, comprising: a gallium arsenide laser diode array for providing a directional optical output, a high frequency transistor driving circuit for alternately pulsing said diode array on and off, said transistor driving circuit including a high power transistor output stage having a common emitter and coupled to provide high frequency negative output current pulses, and a low voltage, three stage cascaded transistor gate for periodically activating said power transistor, cryogenic cooling means for said array, gated night vision means for receiving and detecting reflected laser energy of said array, beam forming optical means in the output path of said array for compressing and expanding the beam spread of said array, increasing the operating range thereof, and range derivation and display means responsive to said gated night vision means for providing said target range.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A command guidance transmitter system including a single optical source for providing night vision, target ranging, and commanding a missile, comprising: a gallium arsenide laser diode array for providing a directional optical output, a high frequency transistor driving circuit for alternately pulsing said diode array on and off, said transistor driving circuit including a high power transistor output stage having a common emitter and coupled to provide high frequency negative output current pulses, and a low voltage, three stage cascaded transistor gate for periodically activating said power transistor, cryogenic cooling means for said array, gated night vision means for receiving and detecting reflected laser energy of said array, beam forming optical means in the output path of said array for compressing and expanding the beam spread of said array, increasing the operating range thereof, and range derivation and display means responsive to said gated night vision means for providing said target range.