Optical: systems and elements – Optical modulator – Light wave temporal modulation
Reexamination Certificate
2006-05-23
2006-05-23
Mack, Ricky L. (Department: 2873)
Optical: systems and elements
Optical modulator
Light wave temporal modulation
C359S261000, C359S586000, C359S589000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07050215
ABSTRACT:
A correlation filter is provided having passbands at wavelengths corresponding to the absorption spectrum of an atmospheric gas of interest. In particular, the correlation filter features narrow, non-linearly spaced passbands having center wavelengths that are correlated to the non-linearly spaced absorption lines of an atmospheric gas. A correlation filter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a compensation stack having a number of thin film layers, at least some of which have an optical thickness that is not equal to an integer multiple of one-quarter of a wavelength of an absorption line of the gas of interest. The correlation filter may be provided in association with an etalon, or may comprise a number of optical cavities. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a number of absorption lines associated with an atmospheric gas may be simultaneously viewed, providing a signal indicating the presence and quantity of such gas in the atmosphere having a high signal-to-noise ratio.
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Johnson Brian R.
Kampe Thomas Ulrich
Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
Mack Ricky L.
Sheridan & Ross P.C.
Thomas Brandi
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