USH637H
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for rapid optical phasing
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1986-04-30
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Granted: 1989-06-06
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Expires: 2006-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus 10 for rapid optical phasing of optical devices utilizing white light interference fringe finding. The apparatus comprises a white light source 12, a beam splitter 18, a scanning mirror 20 and a stationary reflective surface 24. The scanning mirror 20 is moved in piston while reflected light is observed in an electro-optic sensor 32 at a receiver 28. A nulled pattern has been previously established at the receiver 28. An electrical signal from the electro-optic sensor is mounted at amplification and recording means 34 to identify variations in reflected light intensity that are caused by white light fringes. White light fringes only occur at zero optical difference, i.e. when the scanning mirror and stationary reflected surface are in phase.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark G. Baciak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:37
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/06; G01; G01B; G01B9/00; G01B9/02; G01B9/02001; G01B9/02007; G01B2290/00; G01B2290/35
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
214 words
An apparatus for establishing zero optical path difference between optical devices so that they can be operated in phase, utilizing an interferometer comprising a light source, a beam splitter for splitting a light beam from the light source and a reference mirror for reflecting a portion of the light beam split by the beam splitter, and wherein the apparatus for phasing optical devices further comprises: (a) a reflecting mirror positioned in a known fixed relationship with the optical device for which zero optical path difference is to be established and which reflects a portion of the light beam split by the beam splitter and wherein said optical device comprises an optical path distance adjuster; (b) an optical receiver for displaying combined light reflected from said reference mirror and said reflecting mirror; (c) an electro-optical sensor for sampling light at said optical receiver as the optical path between said optical receiver and said reflecting mirror is changed by said optical path distance adjuster on said optical device; and (d) an amplification and display device for amplifying and displaying signals from said electro-optical sensor in order to discern a predetermined light intensity variation at said optical receiver which signifies zero optical path difference between said optical receiver and both said reference mirror and said reflecting mirror.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
214 words
An apparatus for establishing zero optical path difference between optical devices so that they can be operated in phase, utilizing an interferometer comprising a light source, a beam splitter for splitting a light beam from the light source and a reference mirror for reflecting a portion of the light beam split by the beam splitter, and wherein the apparatus for phasing optical devices further comprises: (a) a reflecting mirror positioned in a known fixed relationship with the optical device for which zero optical path difference is to be established and which reflects a portion of the light beam split by the beam splitter and wherein said optical device comprises an optical path distance adjuster; (b) an optical receiver for displaying combined light reflected from said reference mirror and said reflecting mirror; (c) an electro-optical sensor for sampling light at said optical receiver as the optical path between said optical receiver and said reflecting mirror is changed by said optical path distance adjuster on said optical device; and (d) an amplification and display device for amplifying and displaying signals from said electro-optical sensor in order to discern a predetermined light intensity variation at said optical receiver which signifies zero optical path difference between said optical receiver and both said reference mirror and said reflecting mirror.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said amplification and display deice comprises an oscilloscope.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electro-optical sensor comprises a light detecting semiconductor device and a high gain operational amplifier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said optical device comprises a telescope which is part of an array of telescopes arranged for use as a synthetic aperture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electronic signal level detector for detecting variations in signal strength emanating from said electro-optical sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said signal detector is electronically connected to the optical path adjuster so that movement of said optical path adjuster is arrested when said signal detector detects a predetermined variation in signal strength emanating from said electro-optical sensor, the predetermining light intensity variation corresponding to zero optical path difference.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of phasing a plurality of optical devices comprising the steps of: (a) transmitting a light from a white light source through a beam splitter to a reference mirror and a first optical device; (b) reflecting light from said reference mirror back to said beam splitter for recombination; (c) reflecting light from said first optical device back to said beam splitter for recombination with light reflected from said reference mirror; (d) directing recombined light from the reference mirror and said first optical device onto a receiver; (e) sensing light directed onto said receiver with an electro-optical detector in order to produce an electrical signal proportional to variations in light intensity; (f) adjusting the optical path to said first optical device; (g) detecting variations in the electrical signal produced by the electro-optic detector; (h) arresting changes to the optical path in response to detected variations in the electrical signal when zero optical path difference is achieved between said receiver and both said first optical device and said reference mirror; (i) repeating the above procedure with a second optical device; and (j) establishing zero optical path difference between said receiver and both said reference mirror and said second optical device in order to indicate that both optical devices are in phase.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of phasing a plurality of optical devices comprising the steps of: (a) transmitting a light from a white light source through a beam splitter to a reference mirror and a first optical device; (b) reflecting light from said reference mirror back to said beam splitter for recombination; (c) reflecting light from said first optical device back to said beam splitter for recombination with light reflected from said reference mirror; (d) directing recombined light from the reference mirror and said first optical device onto a receiver; (e) sensing light directed onto said receiver with an electro-optical detector in order to produce an electrical signal proportional to variations in light intensity; (f) adjusting the optical path to said first optical device; (g) detecting variations in the electrical signal produced by the electro-optic detector; (h) arresting changes to the optical path in response to detected variations in the electrical signal when zero optical path difference is achieved between said receiver and both said first optical device and said reference mirror; (i) repeating the above procedure with a second optical device; and (j) establishing zero optical path difference between said receiver and both said reference mirror and said second optical device in order to indicate that both optical devices are in phase.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of phasing a plurality of optical devices described in claim 7 wherein the first optical device is at reference position relative to a receiver and all other optical devices are moved so that there is a zero optical path difference between different optical devices and said receiver.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of phasing a plurality of optical devices described in claim 7 further comprising the step of collimating light from said light source prior to its transmission to said beam splitter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of phasing a plurality of optical devices described in claim 7 further comprising the step of transmitting an electrical signal to said optical path adjuster in order to arrest optical path changes when the electro-optical detector senses a variation in light intensity at said receiver.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of phasing a plurality of optical devices described in claim 7 wherein said light source comprises a white light point source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of phasing a plurality of optical devices described in claim 7 wherein said optical devices are telescopes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of phasing a plurality of optical devices described in claim 11 further comprising the step of nulling a laser light interference pattern on said receiver prior to searching for variations in white light intensity at said receiver.
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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) | 1992-06-05 | 1992-12-05 | 1993-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-06-05 | 1996-12-05 | 1997-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-06-05 | 2000-12-05 | 2001-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |