Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Sidney Pang

Daniel N Kokubun

Mark S Branham

Mark Segawa

Techniques are provided for laser illumination employing closely spaced laser beams. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a semi-cylindrical optical block comprising a curved surface and a planar surface. A first laser source to generate a first laser beam directed to the planar surface, wherein the first laser beam enters the optical block at a first angle that exceeds a critical angle, relative to the planar surface, the critical angle causing total internal reflection, such that the first laser beam is refracted through and exits the optical block. A second laser source to generate a second laser beam directed to the curved surface, wherein the second laser beam enters the optical block at a second angle that exceeds the critical angle, relative to the planar surface, such that the second laser beam is reflected off the planar surface and exits the optical block parallel to the first laser beam exiting from the optical block, the separation based on a location of the entry of the first laser beam into the optical block. The separation of the exiting first and second laser beams is controlled by the selected translation distance.

Laser illumination system with closely spaced beams

Techniques are provided for laser illumination employing closely spaced laser beams. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a semi-cylindrical optical block comprising a curved surface and a planar surface. The system further includes two laser sources configured to direct first and second laser beams to the curved surface, such that the first laser beam enters and exits the block parallel to and offset from the planar surface by a selected translation distance, and the second laser beam enters the block at a critical angle relative to the planar surface. The critical angle is associated with total internal reflection of the second laser beam along the planar surface, such that the second laser beam exits the block parallel to, and separated from, the first laser beam exiting the optical block. The separation of the exiting first and second laser beams is controlled by the selected translation distance.

A motion compensation system for a shearography apparatus includes: an adjustable first fold mirror to reflect laser radiation to a receiving aperture of the shearography apparatus during separate pulse periods at corresponding angles of reflection; and corresponding second fold mirrors to reflect the laser radiation from a target surface to the first fold mirror during the respective pulse periods. The shearography apparatus moves with respect to the target surface between the separate pulse periods. The angles of reflection make the laser radiation reflected from the target surface via the respective second fold mirrors appear to the receiving aperture as if the shearography apparatus is stationary with respect to the target surface. In another system, the second fold mirrors are replaced by an adjustable second fold mirror to reflect the laser radiation from the target surface to the first fold mirror during the pulse periods at corresponding second angles of reflection.

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Kaneohe, HI, United States of America

Sidney Pang