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US 9,791,558 B2Granted
Two-color signature simulation using mid-infrared test source semiconductor lasers
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorSteven C. Tidwell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus and process that includes control electronics that generate an electronic control signal; and a plurality of optically or electrically pumped semiconductor lasers, quantum-cascade lasers, optical parametric generators, or optical parametric oscillators, operatively coupled to the control electronics, that output an optical signal having a plurality of wavelengths, each wavelength having an output intensity that each of which is varied over time to simulate a combustion signature of a weapon. In some embodiments, the optical signal includes at least two different infrared wavelengths that are varied differently with time.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- during a first time period, outputting a first laser signal having a first wavelength that has an output intensity that is varied over time to simulate a first wavelength of a combustion signature;
- during the first time period, outputting a second laser signal having a second wavelength, that is different than the first wavelength, and that has an output intensity that is varied over time in a manner that is different than the intensity variation of the first wavelength, in order to simulate a second wavelength of the combustion signature, wherein the first wavelength is an infrared wavelength that is in an atmospheric-transparency window, and wherein the intensity of the second wavelength is greater than the intensity of the first wavelength for the first time period;
- and
- generating at least one of the first laser signal and the second laser signal using an optically pumped laser.
1 more element
An apparatus comprising:
- control electronics configured to generate a first electronic control signal and a second electronic control signal;
- a first laser system operatively coupled to the control electronics, configured to output a first laser signal having a first wavelength that has an output intensity that is varied over time based on the first electronic control signal, during a first time period, to simulate a first wavelength of a combustion signature;
- a second laser system operatively coupled to the control electronics, configured to output a second laser signal having a second wavelength, that is different than the first wavelength, and that has an output intensity that is varied over time based on the second electronic control signal, during the first time period, in a manner that is different than the intensity variation of the first wavelength, in order to simulate a second wavelength of the combustion signature;
- and
- an optical element optically coupled to the first laser system and the second laser system to receive the first and second laser signal, and configured to form a far-field output beam that includes the first laser signal and the second laser signal substantially coincident with one another, wherein the first wavelength is an infrared wavelength that is in an atmospheric-transparency window, wherein the second wavelength is an infrared wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength, and wherein the intensity of the second wavelength is greater than the intensity of the first wavelength for first time period.
2 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- means for outputting, during a first time period, a first laser signal having a first wavelength that has an output intensity that is varied over time to simulate a first wavelength of a combustion signature;
- and
- means for outputting, during the first time period, a second laser signal having a second wavelength, that is different than the first wavelength, and that has an output intensity that is varied over time in a manner that is different than the intensity variation of the first wavelength, in order to simulate a second wavelength of the combustion signature, wherein at least one of the means for outputting the first laser signal and the means for outputting the second laser signal includes an optically pumped laser, wherein the first wavelength is an infrared wavelength that is in an atmospheric-transparency window, and wherein the intensity of the second wavelength is greater than the intensity of the first wavelength for the first time period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.