Abstract A static split photosensor arrangement includes a split optical system lying between an incidence plane and an emergence plane. The optical system comprises a plurality of optical fibers having diameters which taper from a relatively large diameter at the incidence plane to a relatively small diameter at said emergence plane. The fibers are so arranged that their relatively large diameter ends form a substantially continuous receiving surface for incident photon energy in said incidence plane, and their relatively small diameter ends form a plurality of groups in said emergence plane, each of said groups communicating uniquely with one of a plurality of surfaces sensitive to incident photon energy, the sensitive surfaces being arranged in a plane parallel to said emergence plane. Because of the tapering diameters of the optical fibers, the combined areas of the plurality of sensitive surfaces is less than the area of the receiving surface and therefore, while the system remains substantially continuous with regard to the reception of photon energy, the sensitive surfaces may be separated by a sufficient distance to enable the insertion of a guard ring surrounding each of the sensitive surfaces, thereby reducing the edge leakage component of dark current.
A static split photosensor arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the said photosensitive surfaces are the sensitive surfaces of cells of the surface barrier type.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
20 words
A static split photosensor arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the said photosensitive surfaces comprise planar diffused junction silicon detectors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
176 words
A static split photosensor arrangement including a split optical system lying between an incidence plane and an emergence plane, said optical system comprising a plurality of optical fibers, substantially all of said fibers having diameters which reduce from a relatively large diameter at said incidence plane to a relatively small diameter at said emergence plane said fibers being so arranged that their relatively large diameter ends form a substantially continuous receiving surface for incident photon energy in said incidence plane and their relatively small diameter ends form a plurality of groups in said emergence plane, each of said groups communicating uniquely with one of a plurality of surfaces sensitive to incident photon energy, the said sensitive surfaces being arranged in a plane substantially parallel to said emergence plane, the total area of said plurality of sensitive surfaces being less than the area of said plurality of sensitive surfaces being less than the area of said receiving surface because of the tapering diameters of said optical fibers, and a guard ring surrounding each of said sensitive surfaces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A static split photosensor arrangement according to claim 4, including amplifying means for amplifying signals derived from each of said sensitive surfaces in response to incident photon energy and means for deriving error signals from the amplified signals, said error signals relating to the deviation of the source of said energy from a desired course.