Coherent light generators – Particular resonant cavity
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2001-09-11
Scott, Jr., Leon (Department: 2881)
Coherent light generators
Particular resonant cavity
C372S098000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289031
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to optical benches, and more particularly, to an improved optical bench for use in miniaturized laser transmitters, and other optical devices.
Previous optomechanical designs for laser resonator optical benches used in laser rangefinder systems, for example, have used a three-point mounting architecture where the optical element (resonator) was spring-loaded against three pads. This architecture proves to be heavy, bulky, and costly when used in miniaturized laser systems. In addition, the prior optical benches were not particularly rigid, and were likely to cause optical system misalignment when exposed to environmental extremes.
It therefore would be desirable to have an optical bench for use in miniaturized laser transmitters, and the like, that overcomes the limitations of conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an optical bench for use in optical systems, such as in a miniaturized laser transmitter, for example. The optical bench comprises a housing having a plurality of V-shaped grooves formed in upper and lower surfaces thereof. Optical elements of the optical system or miniaturized laser transmitter in which the optical bench is used are selectively bonded in the plurality of V-shaped grooves. What is particularly novel about the present invention is the unique manner in which the optical elements are rigidly mounted in the plurality of V-shaped grooves to produce a very compact and lightweight structure.
The optical bench of the present invention is well adapted for use in laser rangefinder systems, and the like. The optical bench is integrated with respect to the miniaturized laser transmitter in the sense that it contains a laser resonator, an aiming diode, and a beamsplitter for coupling received light to a receiver.
The present optical bench may be used to replace conventional optical benches that use three-pad kinematic mirror mounting, for example. The present invention provides a more rigid optical bench compared to previously-designed optical benches, and which is much less likely to misalign optical elements when the optical bench, or optical system in which it is employed, is exposed to environmental extremes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5896481 (1999-04-01), Beranek et al.
Maguire Daniel E.
Palombo Mario P.
Patel Ashok B.
Rockafellow David R.
Stultz Robert D.
Alkov Leonard A.
Jr. Leon Scott
Lenzen, Jr. Glenn H.
Raufer Colin M.
Raytheon Company
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