Multipass optical retroreflector and method of using

Details Multipass optical retroreflector and method of using Multipass optical retroreflector and method of using

2005-12-27

2005-12-27

Phan, James (Department: 2872)

Optical: systems and elements

Signal reflector

3-corner retroreflective

C359S834000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06979088

ABSTRACT:
This invention pertains to a multipass retroreflector and to a method for its operation. In a preferred embodiment, the retroreflector comprises three reflecting surfaces arranged at an angle to each other in the form of a prism that is triangular in cross-section and 1 to 2 ports through which an optical beam enters and/or exits. The method includes the step of admitting an optical beam into the retroreflector where the optical beam is reflected from the reflecting surfaces and exits parallel to the path of the incoming optical beam. The method also includes the steps of spacing and adjusting angular disposition and dimensions of the reflecting surfaces in order to change path length of the optical beam passing through the retroreflector. This spacing can be continuously scanned causing a large change in optical path length due to a small change in the position of the moving surface.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3437954 (1969-04-01), Herriott et al.
patent: 5291265 (1994-03-01), Kebabian
patent: 5973864 (1999-10-01), Lehmann et al.
patent: 6198574 (2001-03-01), Hill
patent: 6275626 (2001-08-01), Laor
Herriott et al., Folded Optical Delay Lines, Aug. 1965, vol. 4, No. 8, Applied Optics,pp. 883-889.

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