Methods and systems for laser diode ignition of field weaponry

Abstract

Methods and systems for laser diode ignition of field cannons and weaponry. A series of one or more laser diodes or laser diode array, bars or stripes that are configured to optically pump a collimator which may be formed of materials to provide a lasing medium. The energy output of these devices can be combined when configured as an array or a series of redundant laser diodes assemblies to provide safe and reliable ignition systems. The collimator may direct the output from these laser diode assemblies as multiple collimated ignition beams. The laser diode assemblies may optically end pump and/or side pump the collimator or collimating rod to deliver a more directed energy output to artillery propellant. Additionally, the duration of the pulses may be controlled and extended as necessary to help ensure proper ignition of the propellant.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A laser-ignited cannon comprising: 
 a barrel formed with an interior region;    a cannon breech positioned adjacent to the barrel, wherein the breech includes a light-transmissive window for allowing the passage of laser energy into the interior region of the cannon barrel to ignite a propellant contained therein;    a laser diode ignition assembly optically coupled to the cannon barrel for directing laser energy through the light-transmissive window of the breech into the interior region of the cannon; and    a power management system connected to the laser diode ignition assembly for delivering electrical energy to the laser diode ignition assembly to controllably generate an ignition beam output.    
     
     
         2 . The laser-ignited cannon as recited in  claim 1  wherein the laser diode ignition system includes a laser diode array and an optically coupled collimator that directs collimated light through the light-transmissive window of the breech into the interior region of the cannon barrel.  
     
     
         3 . The laser-ignited cannon as recited in  claim 2  wherein the collimator is a laser rod.  
     
     
         4 . The laser-ignited cannon as recited in  claim 1  wherein the power management system includes a low voltage power storage device and battery charger.  
     
     
         5 . The laser-ignited cannon as recited in  claim 1  wherein the power management system further includes a controller for controlling the timing and duration of the laser energy pulse.  
     
     
         6 . The laser-ignited cannon as recited in  claim 5  wherein the controller is programmable to deliver electrical power continuously to the laser diode ignition assembly until ignition of the propellant has occurred.  
     
     
         7 . A laser ignition system for a field cannon comprising: 
 a collimator formed of a lasing material for collimating a laser pulse;    at least one laser diode disk array formed with a central aperture, wherein at least a portion of the collimator is positioned within the central aperture such that the laser diode disk array may optically side pump the collimator to generate a collimated laser pulse used as an ignition beam for a field cannon; and    a power management system connected to the laser diode disk array for controlling the laser pulse length to provide variable ignition times.    
     
     
         8 . The laser ignition system as recited in  claim 7  wherein the collimator is a laser rod.  
     
     
         9 . The laser ignition system as recited in  claim 7  wherein the collimator is positioned in a cannon breech such that laser output of the collimator is directed through a light-transmissive window in the breech to a propellant positioned in a cannon barrel interior.  
     
     
         10 . The laser ignition system as recited in  claim 7  wherein the laser energy is directly optically coupled to a propellant.  
     
     
         11 . The laser ignition system as recited in  claim 7  wherein the electrical power supply is a battery.  
     
     
         12 . The laser ignition system as recited in  claim 7  wherein the power management system includes a controller for controlling the timing and duration of the laser energy delivery.  
     
     
         13 . The laser ignition system of  claim 12  wherein the controller is connected to at least one sensor for monitoring the timing and duration of the laser energy delivery for ignition to provide feedback on system performance and the need for maintenance.  
     
     
         14 . A field cannon with a laser diode array comprising: 
 a field cannon that includes a breech portion and a barrel portion, wherein the breech portion and barrel portion are adjoined by a firing window formed with an optically transmissive material to permit the passage of light energy therethrough;    a laser diode assembly that is positioned in the breech portion for delivery of a collimated ignition beam through the firing window, wherein the laser diode assembly includes 
 a collimator having an end surface and is formed of a lasing material for collimating a laser pulse; and  
 at least one laser diode array optically coupled to the end surface of the collimator such that the laser diode array optically end pumps the collimator to generate the collimated ignition beam; and  
   a power management system connected to the laser diode assembly for powering and controlling the pulse length of the ignition beam.    
     
     
         15 . The field cannon of  claim 14  wherein the power management system includes a feedback monitor to detect ignition performance conditions.