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US4724404A
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Amplitude-weighting adaptive laser
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1985-11-01
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Granted: 1988-02-09
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Expires: 2005-11-01
Abstract
Abstract An adaptive laser system (10) includes an adaptable laser (12), a waveform sensor (14), an amplitude distribution sensor (16), and a processor (18) for converting data from the sensors into commands for controlling the waveform of a laser beam. Amplitude distribution data is to weight waveform data as the processor determines actuator commands for deforming the laser's main mirror (22). Amplitude weighting permits more accurate determination of the waveform sensor-to-actuator-coupling matrix and more precise optimization of the on-axis intensity of the laser beam across the laser aperture.
Inventors
- 👤 Gregory M. Cochran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 13:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J9/00; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A laser system comprising: a laser source for generating a laser beam with a waveform and amplitude distribution; actuator means for changing the waveform of said laser beam; waveform sensor means for determining the waveform of said laser beam; amplitude sensor means for determining the amplitude distribution of said laser beam; and processor means for converting determinations as to waveform and amplitude distribution into commands to said actuator means to optimize a predetermined figure of merit, said figure of merit being a function of waveform and amplitude distribution of the laser beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A laser system comprising: a laser source for generating a laser beam with a waveform and amplitude distribution; actuator means for changing the waveform of said laser beam; waveform sensor means for determining the waveform of said laser beam; amplitude sensor means for determining the amplitude distribution of said laser beam; and processor means for converting determinations as to waveform and amplitude distribution into commands to said actuator means to optimize a predetermined figure of merit, said figure of merit being a function of waveform and amplitude distribution of the laser beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 further characterized in that said figure of merit is the on-axis intensity of the laser beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 further characterized in that said waveform sensor renders optical path difference data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 further characterized in that said waveform sensor renders amplitude-affected optical path difference data.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 further characterized in that said waveform sensor renders wavefront slope data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 further characterized in that said waveform sensor provides amplitude-affected slope data.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1 further characterized in that the resolution of amplitude sensor means is at least about an order of magnitude greater than that of said wavefront sensor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 7 further characterized in that said processor means calculates the sensor-to-actuator coupling matrix using said waveform and amplitude distribution determinations.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
79 words
A method of optimizing a figure of merit which is a function of the amplitude distribution and the waveform of a laser beam, said method comprising the steps of: generating a laser beam; determining the waveform of said laser beam; determining the amplitude distribution of said laser beam; estimating from the above determinations the changes in the laser beam required to optimize said figure of merit; and converting said estimate into commands that effect the estimated changes in waveform.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
79 words
A method of optimizing a figure of merit which is a function of the amplitude distribution and the waveform of a laser beam, said method comprising the steps of: generating a laser beam; determining the waveform of said laser beam; determining the amplitude distribution of said laser beam; estimating from the above determinations the changes in the laser beam required to optimize said figure of merit; and converting said estimate into commands that effect the estimated changes in waveform.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 9 further characterized in that said figure of merit is the on-axis intensity of said laser beam.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 9 further characterized in that said optimization comprises minimizing <oWo>, where o is the waveform determination in the form of an optical path difference vector, and W is said amplitude distribution data in the form of a diagonal matrix.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-02-08 | 1991-08-10 | 1992-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-02-08 | 1995-08-10 | 1996-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-02-08 | 1999-08-10 | 2000-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |