Optical: systems and elements – Single channel simultaneously to or from plural channels
Patent
1996-12-05
1998-03-31
Nelms, David C.
Optical: systems and elements
Single channel simultaneously to or from plural channels
G02B 2710
Patent
active
057345040
ABSTRACT:
The present invention is directed to a multi-beam illuminator laser apparatus and method for providing improved uniformity of laser beam illumination of a distant target or remote object, even in the presence of changing atmospheric conditions. The invention provides a diameter-adjustable array consisting of a variable number of co-parallel, mutually incoherent, polarization-aligned, waist size- and position-adjustable beamlets. The invention includes a beam divider which efficiently uses input or source laser power and because of this may be driven by as few as one laser or by as many as n lasers, where n is equal to the beamlet number. The invention is capable of rapid adjustment of beamlet number and beamlet positions in the field which allows determination of the optimum number of beamlets to use. Finally, as the total number of beamlets and possibly their positions are varied, the individual beamlet powers are maintained equal to each other and the overall beamlet array power is easily held constant by choice of the stage angles within the beam divider.
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
Mack Ricky
Nelms David C.
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