Two-color missile-signature simulation using mid-infrared test source semiconductor lasers

摘要

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.

主权项

1. 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 optical 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 optical 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 optical signal, and configured to form a far-field output beam that includes the first optical signal and the second optical signal substantially coincident with one another, wherein the first optical signal and the second optical signal are bore-sighted to have a coincident beam in the far field, the beam having a substantially uniform top-hat spatial intensity profile.