US3562533A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable polarization optical heterodyne transceiver
Assignee: Lanteris Space LLC
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Filing: 1968-05-23
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Granted: 1971-02-09
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Expires: 1988-05-23
Abstract
Abstract A laser system that utilizes a single laser as a transmitter, a local oscillator and a preamplifier. The polarizations of the normal laser oscillations and the polarization of the received signal are made different so that the received signal in passing through the laser alters the polarization of the laser output signal. Means are provided for converting the polarization modulation into an electrical signal representative of the modulation of the receiver signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter M Doyle
- 👤 Wesley Duane Gerber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 18:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P3/00; G01P3/36; G01P3/366; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/50; H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
227 words
A laser system comprising first and second spaced reflectors positioned to define a closed optical path therebetween, a laser plasma tube disposed in said path, shaped so as not to favor any particular axial mode of oscillation, and constructed to emit light of any polarization produced by any such mode, first means for introducing anisotropy into said closed optical path, said tube having oscillation modes the polarizations of which are determined by said first meAns, said first and second reflectors being partially transmissive whereby radiant energy exits said path through both reflectors, means for directing toward a target radiant energy exiting said closed optical path through said first reflector and for directing toward said first reflector a portion of said directed radiant energy reflected by said target, thereby to cause some of said portion of said reflected radiant energy to enter said laser plasma tube, and second means in the path of said radiant energy exiting said closed optical path through said first reflector for producing a difference in polarization between said reflected radiant energy and said oscillation modes of said tube whereby said reflected radiant energy entering said laser plasma tube acts to change the polarization of at least one of said oscillation modes and consequently radiant energy exiting said closed optical path through said second reflector is varied in polarization by said reflected radiant energy.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
227 words
A laser system comprising first and second spaced reflectors positioned to define a closed optical path therebetween, a laser plasma tube disposed in said path, shaped so as not to favor any particular axial mode of oscillation, and constructed to emit light of any polarization produced by any such mode, first means for introducing anisotropy into said closed optical path, said tube having oscillation modes the polarizations of which are determined by said first meAns, said first and second reflectors being partially transmissive whereby radiant energy exits said path through both reflectors, means for directing toward a target radiant energy exiting said closed optical path through said first reflector and for directing toward said first reflector a portion of said directed radiant energy reflected by said target, thereby to cause some of said portion of said reflected radiant energy to enter said laser plasma tube, and second means in the path of said radiant energy exiting said closed optical path through said first reflector for producing a difference in polarization between said reflected radiant energy and said oscillation modes of said tube whereby said reflected radiant energy entering said laser plasma tube acts to change the polarization of at least one of said oscillation modes and consequently radiant energy exiting said closed optical path through said second reflector is varied in polarization by said reflected radiant energy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising third means for transforming said polarization varied radiant energy exiting said closed optical path through said second reflector into an amplitude-varied output signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said second means is a diffuse target.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said second and third means are polarizers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising photodetector means positioned to intercept said output signal of said third means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said first means for introducing anisotropy into said closed optical path comprises means for providing both linear birefringence and circular birefringence in said closed optical path.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said birefringence-providing means provides circular birefringence and linear birefringence in such ratio as to cause one of said oscillation modes of said laser tube to become extinguished.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising photomixer means, located so as to receive said radiant energy exiting said path through said second reflector and to produce an output signal in response thereto, and signal heterodyning means supplied with and responsive to the latter output signal to produce a heterodyne signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-08 | 1974-08-10 | 1975-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-08 | 1978-08-10 | 1979-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-08 | 1982-08-10 | 1983-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |