Aug 25, 2026

US12716694 - Lightweight effective laser engagement (LELE) laser beam

An optical system or laser assembly has a primary mirror in optical communication with an output coupler. The primary mirror receives the electromagnetic radiation and reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a steering mirror. The optical coupler can move an axis to vary a focal length between the output coupler and the primary mirror, which in turn, varies a conical shape of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted from the optical coupler. The primary mirror directs the electromagnetic radiation to the steering mirror and the steering mirror directs a focused beam of the electromagnetic radiation through the opening and out of the housing toward a target.

Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Inventors: John T. Willits
Filing date: 2023-04-28

laseropticalsystem

The patent describes a lightweight laser engagement system featuring a movable output coupler and a steering mirror that work together to direct a focused laser beam toward a target. The design allows for variable focal lengths and rotation about a central axis, enhancing targeting precision in firearm applications.

Claim 1

1 . An optical system comprising: a housing having a sidewall defining an interior space and the sidewall defining an opening that extends through the sidewall, wherein the housing has a first end and a second end, and a first axis extends centrally between the first end and the second end, wherein the housing is configured to rotate about the first axis; a steering mirror within the interior space of the housing, wherein the steering mirror rotates in unison with the housing about the first axis, wherein the steering mirror tilts relative to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis; a laser source; an output coupler in the interior space, wherein the output coupler is in optical communication with the laser source, wherein the output coupler transmits electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the output coupler is moveable along the first axis; a primary mirror in optical communication with the output coupler, wherein the primary mirror receives the electromagnetic radiation from the output coupler and reflects the electromagnetic radiation to the steering mirror, wherein movement of the output coupler along the first axis varies a focal length between the output coupler and the primary mirror; and wherein the steering mirror directs a focused beam of the electromagnetic radiation through the opening and out of the housing toward a target. a housing having a sidewall defining an interior space and the sidewall defining an opening that extends through the sidewall, wherein the housing has a first end and a second end, and a first axis extends centrally between the first end and the second end, wherein the housing is configured to rotate about the first axis; a steering mirror within the interior space of the housing, wherein the steering mirror rotates in unison with the housing about the first axis, wherein the steering mirror tilts relative to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis; a laser source; an output coupler in the interior space, wherein the output coupler is in optical communication with the laser source, wherein the output coupler transmits electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the output coupler is moveable along the first axis; a primary mirror in optical communication with the output coupler, wherein the primary mirror receives the electromagnetic radiation from the output coupler and reflects the electromagnetic radiation to the steering mirror, wherein movement of the output coupler along the first axis varies a focal length between the output coupler and the primary mirror; and wherein the steering mirror directs a focused beam of the electromagnetic radiation through the opening and out of the housing toward a target.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12716694

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12716694