Optical: systems and elements – Deflection using a moving element – Using a periodically moving element
Patent
1987-11-25
1995-08-01
Epps, Georgia Y.
Optical: systems and elements
Deflection using a moving element
Using a periodically moving element
359211, 359529, G02B 2608, G02B 5122
Patent
active
054384494
ABSTRACT:
An optical beam switch is disclosed for sequentially pointing a laser beam to a plurality of terrestrial target locations at predetermined depression angles and at angular positions relative to a reference direction. The switch includes a CW laser whose collimated output beam is directed into a rotating retroreflector. The moving beam reflected therefrom describes a continuous circular path across the upper surface of a beam deflection device. The beam deflection device comprises a plurality of beam refracting prisms. The index of refraction and angulation of each prism determines the depression angle and azimuthal angle of the deflected beam. The depression angle is held precisely constant as the incident beam describes its arcuate path across the upper surface of the prism. The retroreflector may comprise three mutually-perpendicular mirrors, joined at a vertex, for providing a reflected beam parallel to and displaced from the incident beam. Alternatively, the retroreflector may comprise a triple mirror prism.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3107070 (1963-10-01), Willits et al.
patent: 3588218 (1971-06-01), Hunt et al.
patent: 3818444 (1974-06-01), Connell
patent: 3881802 (1975-05-01), Helava
patent: 4326799 (1982-04-01), Keene et al.
patent: 4544228 (1985-10-01), Rando
patent: 4795224 (1989-01-01), Goto
patent: 4830443 (1989-05-01), Hecker et al.
Fundamentals of Optics, 3rd ed., F. A. Jenkins and H. E. White, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1957, pp. 16-17.
Chabot Arthur A.
Jelalian Albert V.
Keene Wayne H.
Dawson Walter F.
Epps Georgia Y.
Papalas Michael A.
Raytheon Company
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