Process for the adaptive beam control of medium-energy laser weapons
US6723974B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41H13/0056
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for the adaptive beam control of medium-energy laser weapons for fighting electro-optical sensors and windows, wherein the behavior of the laser power reflected from a bright spot of the target and measured by a thermal image apparatus during increasing irradiation intensity is analyzed during a phase of measurement. The laser power to be emitted that will lead to the desired laser beam diameter or to the highest possible laser intensity at the target during the subsequent phase of fighting is then derived by calculation from this as well as other parameters influencing the thermal beam expansion. It is thus made possible that the laser does not always have to be operated with the maximum power, but only with the currently needed power during the phase of fighting, so that a saving is achieved in the consumption of primary laser energy. One example is explained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.