Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Photocell controls its own optical systems
Patent
1983-07-08
1987-08-04
Westin, Edward P.
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Photocell controls its own optical systems
350274, 356 4, 356 5, G01C 308, G02B 2608
Patent
active
046847960
ABSTRACT:
A laser separator defining an optical aperture is provided for transmitting outgoing high-energy laser pulses along an optical path through the optical aperture toward a targeted object, and for receiving return energy present along the same, but reciprocal, optical path and incident on the same optical aperture. The common optical aperture laser separator for reciprocal path optical systems includes a rotatable metallic disc having openings therethrough, and a highly polished substantially planar reflecting surface. The rotatable disc is so positioned in the reciprocal optical path that its normal is at a predetermined non-zero acute angle thereto. Each pulse of outgoing, high-energy laser energy passes unimpeded through the optical aperture and through the corresponding one of the openings onto a targeted object. A sensor receives the return optical energy present along the same, but reciprocal, optical path and incident on the optical aperture during the interpulse intervals. A controller and cooperative optics are operative in response to the sensor signals are provided for adapting the pointing direction and beam pattern characteristics of subsequent outgoing high-energy laser pulses for maintaining each of them on-target and in-focus. The system has application in laser welding, cutting, and melting, laser communications and surveillance, and laser pointing and tracking systems, among others.
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The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc.
Westin Edward P.
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