US3735140A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low light level laser imaging system
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1970-06-25
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1990-06-25
Abstract
Abstract A low light level imaging system having an image intensifier which utilizes a semiconductive material. A photoemissive material emits spatially modulated electrons in response to a detected image to spatially modulate the reflectivity of the semiconductive material. A laser beam from a laser located external to the image intensifier is reflected from the modulated semiconductor reflector to provide an image on a screen.
Inventors
- 👤 M Stimler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 03:36
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J31/00; H01J31/08; H01J31/50; H01J2231/00; H01J2231/50; H01J2231/50005; H01J2231/5001; H01J2231/50015; H01J2231/50057; H01J2231/50068
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
An imaging system comprising: an image intensifier including a semiconductive material possessing a variable reflectivity and a variable reflectance and having the characteristics of increasing its reflectance in proportion to the density of electrons impinging upon it, and further including photoemissive means for spatially varyinG the reflectivity of said material in response to impingement of a detected image upon said photoemissive means, and light means external to said image intensifier for providing an intensified image of said detected image proportionate to the reflection of said material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
An imaging system comprising: an image intensifier including a semiconductive material possessing a variable reflectivity and a variable reflectance and having the characteristics of increasing its reflectance in proportion to the density of electrons impinging upon it, and further including photoemissive means for spatially varyinG the reflectivity of said material in response to impingement of a detected image upon said photoemissive means, and light means external to said image intensifier for providing an intensified image of said detected image proportionate to the reflection of said material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An imaging system according to claim 1 further comprising means for accelerating said spatially emitted electrons, and means for focusing said accelerated spatially emitted electrons onto said semiconductive material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
An imaging system according to claim 2 wherein said means external to said image intensifier for providing the image proportionate to the reflectance of said material is a means for providing radiation of a predetermined wavelength incident to said semiconductive material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
An imaging system according to claim 3 wherein the reflectance of said semiconductive material varies from a minima to a maxima.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
An imaging system according to claim 4 wherein the variation of reflectance of said semiconductive material is dependent upon the thickness of said semiconductive material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
An imaging system according to claim 5 wherein the thickness, d, of said semiconductive material is given by the relation: d (p lambda cos phi '')/2n wherein p is an integer, lambda is said predetermined wavelength, phi '' is the angle said radiation makes with a normal in said semiconductive material, and n is the index of refraction of said semiconductive material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
An imaging system according to claim 3 wherein said means for providing radiation of a predetermined wavelength is a laser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |