Laser ranging with polarization modulation
Abstract
Abstract THIS INVENTION IS A RANGING AND TRACKING SYSTEM WHICH UTILIZES A LASER. IN THE SYSTEM THE LASER BEAM IS PASSED THROUGH A MODULATOR TO A TARGET. THE BEAM IS DIRECTED BY A TRACKING MIRROR WHICH ALSO GATHERS THE REFLECTIONS OF THE BEAM. THE REFLECTED BEAM IS DIRECTED TO A TRACKING PHOTOMULTIPLIER WHICH CONVERTS THE REFLECTIONS TO AN ELECTRICAL ERROR SIGNAL AND USES IT TO DRIVE THE TRACKING MIRROR. THE REFLECTED BEAM IS ALSO PASSED THROUGH A POLARIZATION ANALYZER TO A RANGE PHOTOMULTIPLIER WHICH TRIGGERS A RANGE COUNTER TO STOP COUNTING. INITIALLY, A PULSING CIRCUIT IS OPERATIVE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY PULSE THE MODULATOR AND START THE RANGE COUNTER. THE MODULATOR SHIFTS THE POLARIZATION ANGLE OF A SELECTED PORTION OF THE LASER BEAM AND THE POLARIZATION ANALYZER WILL PASS ONLY THAT PORTION OF THE BEAM WHICH HAS THE SHIFTED POLARIZATION ANGLE.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A Frazer
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
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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) | 1974-10-25 | 1975-04-26 | 1975-10-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-25 | 1979-04-26 | 1979-10-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-25 | 1983-04-26 | 1983-10-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |