The Boeing Company

Michael C Cates

Ty Aaby Larsen

Joseph Nolan Paranto

Cris Kevin Bosetti

Vytas Thomas Gylys

W Brendan Blanton

Matthew D Nixon

Richard A Niksch

Peter Durkin

Joel E Anspach

Angel Portillo

Ken L Bernier

Bernard P Paul, Jr

Paul J Rodney

Mark Lo

Matthew H Beckmann

Paul V Knowlton

John J Biel-Goebel

Jr Bernard P Paul

Angel A Portillo

A Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) based system detecting and quantifying ice accretions and shedding on an aircraft. This system can be used to detect ice, operate ice protection systems, and satisfy aircraft icing certification requirements. This system can also be used to determine the shape, thickness, type, and location of the ice accretions.

Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) ice detection system

LADAR systems and methods are disclosed. LADAR systems include a LADAR transmitter configured to emit a laser signal from a platform and a LADAR receiver configured to detect the laser signal returning from a target moving relative to the platform. The LADAR receiver includes a dynamic receiver filter with a receiver bandwidth (which may be about equal to the linewidth of the laser signal) and a tunable receiver center wavelength. The LADAR receiver is configured to adjust the receiver center wavelength to a wavelength that is Doppler-shifted due to the target velocity. Methods include transmitting a laser signal from a platform, returning the laser signal from a moving target, adjusting a dynamic receiver filter to a receiver center wavelength that is based upon the center wavelength of the returned laser signal (that includes a Doppler offset due to the relative velocity of the target), and receiving the returned laser signal.

LADAR systems with dynamic receiver filters

A system, method, and apparatus for detecting and tracking a target are disclosed. The disclosed method involves receiving, with an infra-red (IR) fine track sensor, a IR signal from the target. The method further involves determining, with at least one processor, an estimate of a direction of the target using the IR signal. Also, the method involves transmitting, with a Laser transmitter, a Laser beam towards the direction of the target. Further, the method involves receiving, with a Laser receiver, the Laser signal after it reflects off the target. In one or more embodiments, the Laser receiver is a photon receiver (e.g., a geiger-mode avalanche photo-diode (Gm-APD) receiver).

LADAR augmented infra-red (LAIR) sensor

In one aspect a power amplifier comprises a first plurality of laser disks disposed in a first vertical plane and a second plurality of laser disks disposed in a second vertical plane, opposite the first vertical plane, wherein the plurality of laser disks are disposed in a central horizontal plane, and a first plurality of reflecting mirrors disposed in the first vertical plane and a second plurality of reflecting mirrors disposed in the second vertical plane, wherein a first set of reflecting are disposed in a lower horizontal plane and a second set of reflecting mirrors are disposed in an upper horizontal plane, wherein respective laser disks and reflecting mirrors adjacent along an optical axis are positioned to provide a 1:1 imaging system therebetween. Other aspects may be described.

Unstable imaging resonator

The disclosed method for fiber stabilization of optical path differences involves splitting a laser produced optical beam into a first and second optical beam. Further, the method involves circulating the first optical beam to an adjustable optical telescope, and circulating the second optical beam to a reference optical telescope. Also, the method involves splitting the first circulated beam into the first optical beam and the adjustable optical telescope beam, and splitting the second circulated beam into the second optical beam and the reference optical telescope beam. Additionally, the method involves inputting, into an interferometer, the first and second optical beams; and outputting, from the interferometer, a sinusoidal signal. Also, the method comprises filtering the sinusoidal signal to form a high frequency and low frequency signal. Further, the method involves controlling a translation stage by using the low frequency signal, and controlling a fiber stretcher by using the high frequency signal.

Fiber stabilization of optical path differences (OPD) over a wide bandwidth frequency range for extended periods of time

A multifunction light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system for aircraft or other applications may use autodyne techniques. An autodyne system can use a single laser source and a single detector. The autodyne technique can mix two signal beams to produce a 'beat note' at the frequency difference between the beams. Autodyne detection can leverage photon counting to support significantly reduced system complexity. Reduced complexity may provide solutions with significantly reduced power consumption, lighter weight, smaller volume, and lower cost. The multifunction LIDAR system can detect and identify regions of weather hazards such as lightning storms, aircraft wake vortex, clear air turbulence, and wind shear. The multifunction LIDAR system may also be configured to measure aircraft air and ground speed in multiple dimensions as well as aircraft altitude.

Multifunction aircraft LIDAR

Growing community of inventors

Albuquerque, NM, United States of America

Michael C Cates