US3691483A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Phased array laser source
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-02-09
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Granted: 1972-09-12
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Expires: 1990-02-09
Abstract
Abstract This invention is directed to an electronically scanned laser array. It utilizes a phase-locking laser, an array of variable phase shifters, an array of semiconductor lasers and a control computer. The output of the phase-locking laser is optically coupled, by means of reflective or transmission optics, to the phase shifters which are controlled in a predetermined pattern by the computer. The phase shifters are optically coupled to the array and cause uniform shifts in the phase front of the arrayed lasers to provide a scanning effect of the output beam.
Inventors
- 👤 Aaron David Klein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:30
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S5/00; H01S5/40; H01S5/4025; H01S5/4006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
An apparatus for electronically scanning a beam of coherent light comprising: a driver means; a first source of coherent light pumped by said driver means; an array of electro-optic phase-shifting means having an optical input and output, and operative to produce, at its optical output, a beam of light which is phase shifted from a beam of light impinging on its optical input; optical coupling means for optically coupling the output of said first source to thE input of each of said phase-shifting means in the array; an array of second sources of coherent light pumped by said driver means and individually coupled to the corresponding optical output of said array of phase shifting means to amplify the received light; each of said phase-shifting means and its corresponding second source of coherent light are embodied within a single dual function laser means, and a plurality of the dual function laser means form said array; phase locking means for holding the first and second sources of coherent light phase locked; automatic control means connected to said electro-optic phase shifting means for varying the phase shift applied by said phase-shifting means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
189 words
An apparatus for electronically scanning a beam of coherent light comprising: a driver means; a first source of coherent light pumped by said driver means; an array of electro-optic phase-shifting means having an optical input and output, and operative to produce, at its optical output, a beam of light which is phase shifted from a beam of light impinging on its optical input; optical coupling means for optically coupling the output of said first source to thE input of each of said phase-shifting means in the array; an array of second sources of coherent light pumped by said driver means and individually coupled to the corresponding optical output of said array of phase shifting means to amplify the received light; each of said phase-shifting means and its corresponding second source of coherent light are embodied within a single dual function laser means, and a plurality of the dual function laser means form said array; phase locking means for holding the first and second sources of coherent light phase locked; automatic control means connected to said electro-optic phase shifting means for varying the phase shift applied by said phase-shifting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said phase locking means comprises said driving means pumping said first and second sources of coherent light simultaneously.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second sources of coherent light comprises semiconductor lasers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said dual function laser means comprises a semiconductor laser structured to accept electrical phase shift signals and pumping signals along with light signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said automatic control means varies the signals applied to said plurality of dual function laser means to systematically vary the relative phase shift applied to the output of said first source of coherent light whereby scanning of the output of said array of dual function laser means occurs.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-12 | 1976-03-13 | 1976-09-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-12 | 1980-03-13 | 1980-09-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-12 | 1984-03-13 | 1984-09-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |