Self-contained laser illuminator module

• US 6,007,218 A
• Filed: 11/10/1997
• Issued: 12/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Foster-Miller Incorporated (Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Science & Engineering Associates, Inc. (Perspecta, Inc.)
• Inventors: Spielbusch, Brian K., Tocci, Michael D., Saggese, Steven J., German, John D., Cramer, Eric J.
• Primary Examiner(s): CARIASO, ALAN B
• Application Number:
  US08/967,426
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• Field of Search: 362/32, 362/102, 362/187, 362/259, 362/294, 362/551, 362/553, 362/555, 362/268, 362/277, 42/100, 42/103, 385/88, 385/92, 385/93
• US Class Current: 362/259
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0064 Health, life-saving or fire-fighting equipment
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/30 Semiconductor lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 33/02 Light- or radiation-emitting guns ; Light- or radiation-sensitive guns; Cartridges carrying light emitting sources, e.g. laser
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0056 for blinding or dazzling, i.e. by overstimulating the opponent's eyes or the enemy's sensor equipment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/802 Position or condition responsive switch

Abstract

A self-contained laser illuminator module for primary use in a laser security device which is adapted to produce an optimally effective and eye-safe laser beam for use as a laser visual countermeasure. The laser illuminator module includes control electronics having a high-power laser adapted to generate a preselected wavelength and intensity, a fiber optic means in optical communication with the control electronics, and a means for mounting to a security device having a collimating lens. The present invention generates a laser beam to illuminate or create temporary visual impairment of a potential adversary which results in hesitation, delay, distraction, surrender or retreat.

Claims

1. A self-contained laser illuminator module comprising:

a. an electronic control means for producing a laser beam, the electronic control means including a laser;

b. fiber optic means for producing a relatively smooth, uniform, substantially circular laser beam having relatively flat beam intensity distribution, the fiber optic means being in optical communication with the electronic control means and including a fiber optic cable; and

c. means for mounting within the laser illuminator module a collimating lens for adjustable movement with respect to the laser;

wherein the self-contained laser illuminator module is capable of being effectively used in an eye safe laser security device.

2. The self-contained laser illuminator module as defined in claim 1 wherein the laser comprises a laser diode.

3. The self-contained laser illuminator module as defined in claim 1 wherein the fiber optic cable is wound in a loop.

4. The self-contained laser illuminator module as defined in claim 3 wherein the fiber optic means further comprises a gradient index lens interposed between the laser and an end of the fiber optic cable.

5. The self-contained laser illuminator module as defined in claim 2 wherein the fiber optic cable is wound in a loop.

6. The self-contained laser illuminator module as defined in claim 5 wherein the fiber optic means further comprises a gradient index lens interposed between the laser diode and an end of the fiber optic cable.

7. The self-contained laser illuminator module as defined in claim 6 wherein the gradient index lens is located a predetermined distance from the laser diode.

8. The laser illuminator module of claim 1 wherein the laser comprises a laser diode, a photodiode, a thermo-electric cooler and a high-resist thermistor, all in electrical communication with each other.

9. The laser illuminator module of claim 1 wherein the collimating lens is a plano-convex lens.

10. The laser illuminator module of claim 1 wherein the collimating lens is an aspheric lens.

11. The laser illuminator module of claim 1 wherein the laser is adapted to repetitively flash on and off at a frequency of approximately 7 to 9 Hertz.

12. The laser illuminator module of claim 2 wherein the laser diode is a continuous-wave semiconductor diode that emits laser light at power ranges of 25 to 250 milliwatts.

13. The laser illuminator module of claim 1 wherein the laser is a continuous-wave frequency-doubled neodymium-YAG laser at power ranges of 25 to 250 milliwatts.

14. The laser illuminator module of claim 1 wherein the means for mounting further includes a casing having an internal passageway longitudinally formed therethrough and a base located at one end of the casing, an O-ring disposed on a lip formed within the casing adjacent to the collimating lens and a forward fiber optic mount coupled to the base.

15. The laser illuminator module of claim 14 wherein the casing and the base are formed of hard anodized aluminum.

16. The laser illuminator module of claim 14 wherein the forward fiber optic mount is a cylindrical structure having at least one channel formed therethrough and sized to receptively fit within the casing'"'"'s internal passageway.

17. The laser illuminator module of claim 16 wherein the fiber optic means further comprises a fiber optic cable retainer disposed adjacent to the fiber optic cable, a fiber optic rear mount adjacent to the fiber optic cable retainer, a fiber optic spool flange adapted to receive and couple with the fiber optic rear mount in adjustable relation therewith, and a gradient index lens optically aligned to one end of the fiber optic cable.

18. The laser illuminator module of claim 17 wherein the fiber optic cable comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to an externally threaded first ferrule connecting means which is adapted to adjustably connect the first end to the fiber optic rear mount, the first end being optically coupled to the gradient index lens via the first ferrule connecting means, and the second end coupled to an externally threaded second ferrule connecting means which is adapted to adjustably connect the second end to the forward fiber optic mount.

19. The laser illuminator module of claim 18 wherein the fiber optic rear mount further includes an internally threaded aperture adapted to receive the first ferrule connecting means.

20. The laser illuminator module of claim 17 wherein the fiber optic spool flange comprises at least one adjustment means for adjusting the gradient index lens in a predetermined coordinate axis.

21. The laser illuminator module of claim 3 wherein the fiber optic cable is a 200 micron core fiber cable having a numerical aperture of approximately 0.48 and a length of approximately 70 centimeters.

22. The laser illuminator module of claim 1 wherein the electronic control means further includes an base attached to a shell having an internal vestibule formed therethrough, an O-ring, means for electronically controlling the laser and a power bus in electrical communication with the means for electronically controlling the laser, all disposed within the vestibule.

23. The laser illuminator module of claim 22 wherein the shell is constructed of copper-based material to dissipate heat.

24. The laser illuminator module of claim 22 wherein the means for electronically controlling the laser comprises a laser socket assembly, a thermoelectric cooler supply assembly, a laser diode supply assembly and a timing circuit, all in electrical communication.

32. The laser illuminator module of claim 1 wherein the collimating lens is a multi-element lens.

25. A device to reduce or temporarily impair the visual ability of a human by either glare or flashblinding without long-term visual impairment, said device comprising:

a. an outer housing;

b. a self-contained laser illuminator module positioned within the housing, the illuminator module comprising electronic control means for producing a laser beam including a laser, fiber optic means for producing a relatively smooth, uniform, substantially circular laser beam having a relatively flat beam intensity distribution, the fiber optic means being in optical communication with the electronic control means and including a fiber optic cable, and a means for mounting therein a collimating lens for adjustable movement with respect to the laser, the electronic control means and the fiber optic means being in optical communication and being securely disposed within the housing;

c. a switch disposed upon the housing; and

d. a power source disposed within the housing, the power source being in electrical communication with the switch and the electronic control means to engage the device.

26. The device of claim 25 wherein the outer housing is a flashlight housing.

27. The device of claim 25 wherein the outer housing is a baton housing.

28. The device of claim 25 wherein the outer housing is a security system housing.

29. A method of employing a laser illuminator module within a laser security device in adversarial conditions, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a laser security device having a laser illuminator module therein, the laser illuminator module including a laser adapted to emit a laser beam at wavelengths from 630 nanometers to 660 nanometers at power ranges of 25 to 250 milliwatts;

b. initially observing one or more suspected intruders or potential adversaries;

c. aiming the security device at the intruder;

d. engaging the security device by energizing the laser beam to produce a large diameter illuminating laser beam;

e. continually monitoring the intruder by panning the laser beam at the intruder as the intruder moves;

f. further energizing the laser security device by aiming the laser beam at the intruder'"'"'s eyes should the intruder continue to advance; and

g. inducing upon the intruder a flashblind or glare effect so as to make it difficult to view in the direction of the security device.

30. A method of employing a laser illuminator module within a laser security device in adversarial conditions, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a laser security device having a laser illuminator module therein;

b. producing a relatively smooth, uniform, substantially circular laser beam having a relatively flat beam intensity distribution;

c. initially observing one or more suspected intruders or potential adversaries;

d. aiming the security device at the intruder;

e. engaging the security device by energizing the laser beam to produce a large diameter illuminating laser beam;

f. continually monitoring the intruder by panning the laser beam at the intruder as the intruder moves;

g. further energizing the laser security device by aiming the laser beam at the intruder'"'"'s eyes should the intruder continue to advance; and

h. inducing upon the intruder a flashblind or glare effect so as to make it difficult to view in the direction of the security device.

31. The method as defined in claim 30 further comprising a step of providing a laser capable of emitting laser light at wavelengths from 400 nanometers to 700 nanometers at power ranges of 25 to 250 milliwatts.