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US3832029A
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Self-imaging with an optical tunnel for image formation
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1972-10-17
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Granted: 1974-08-27
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Expires: 1992-10-17
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to the formation of images by self-imaging through the use of an optical tunnel. An optical tunnel is provided which has dimensions defined so as to satisfy a criterion for the production of self-imaging of an object located along its optical axis. The object in the preferred embodiment is located in an object plane at one end of the optical tunnel and is illuminated by means of a monochromatic light source. In the object plane, outside of the optically denser medium within the tunnel, virtual images are formed which act as virtual objects from which a self-image of the object is formed at the other end of the optical tunnel.
Inventors
- 👤 O Bryngdahl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 20:15
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/04; G02B6/06; G02B27/00; G02B27/42; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804; G02B6/2808; G02B6/2813; G02B27/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
An optical system for the formation of images of a symmetrical object comprising means for providing a monochromatic irradiance from the object and optical tunnel means responsive to the irradiance from said object for transmitting said irradiance such that identical images of said object are formed at predetermined distances from said object with said tunnel means dimensioned according to the relationship L n (2d2/ lambda ), where L is its length, d is the width, lambda is the wavelength of the irradiance within said tunnel means, and n is an integer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
An optical system for the formation of images of a symmetrical object comprising means for providing a monochromatic irradiance from the object and optical tunnel means responsive to the irradiance from said object for transmitting said irradiance such that identical images of said object are formed at predetermined distances from said object with said tunnel means dimensioned according to the relationship L n (2d2/ lambda ), where L is its length, d is the width, lambda is the wavelength of the irradiance within said tunnel means, and n is an integer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said irradiance means provides a coherent irradiance such that Fourier images of said object are formed, each of which are in respective image planes at predetermined distances from said object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said object is positioned in axial alignment with said tunnel means and proximate to one end of said tunnel means such that a Fourier image of said object is formed at the other end of said tunnel means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tunnel means is an equilateral parallelepiped having a length greater than its width and sides with reflective internal surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said tunnel means is a rectangular equilateral parallelepiped with its sides at right angles with one another.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said irradiance means provides an incoherent irradiance such that Fourier and Fresnel images of said object are formed, each of said Fourier images are in respective image planes at predetermined distances from said object and said Fresnel images are formed in certain other image planes at predetermined distances from said object.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said Fresnel images are optically true images of said object and multiple images of said object are formed in each of said Fresnel image planes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said object is positioned in axial alignment with said tunnel means and proximate to one end of said tunnel means such that a Fourier image of said object is formed at the other end of said tunnel means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
96 words
An optical system for the formation of images of a symmetrical object comprising means for providing a monochromatic irradiance from the object and optical tunnel means responsive to the irradiance from said object for transmitting said irradiance such that identical images of said object are formed at predetermined distances from said object with said tunnel means dimensioned according to the relationship L (n+V/v) 2d2/ lambda where L is its length, d is the width, lambda is the wavelength of the irradiance within said tunnel means, and n, v, and V are integers with no common factor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
96 words
An optical system for the formation of images of a symmetrical object comprising means for providing a monochromatic irradiance from the object and optical tunnel means responsive to the irradiance from said object for transmitting said irradiance such that identical images of said object are formed at predetermined distances from said object with said tunnel means dimensioned according to the relationship L (n+V/v) 2d2/ lambda where L is its length, d is the width, lambda is the wavelength of the irradiance within said tunnel means, and n, v, and V are integers with no common factor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said object is positioned in axial alignment with said tunnel means such that Fresnel images of said object is formed at the other end of said tunnel means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
88 words
An optical system for the formation of images of an object comprising means for providing a monochromatic irradiance from the object and optical tunnel means responsive to the irradiance from said object for transmitting said irradiance and forming identical images of said object at predetermined distances from said object, said tunnel means being dimensioned according to the relationship L n (2d2/ lambda ), where L is its length, d is the width, lambda is the wavelength of the irradiance within said tunnel means, and n is an integer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
88 words
An optical system for the formation of images of an object comprising means for providing a monochromatic irradiance from the object and optical tunnel means responsive to the irradiance from said object for transmitting said irradiance and forming identical images of said object at predetermined distances from said object, said tunnel means being dimensioned according to the relationship L n (2d2/ lambda ), where L is its length, d is the width, lambda is the wavelength of the irradiance within said tunnel means, and n is an integer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said tunnel means has mirrored, internal surfaces symmetrical about the optical axis of said tunnel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system as claimed in claim 12 wherein said tunnel means is a parallelepiped.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said irradiance means provides a coherent irradiance such that Fourier images of said object are formed, each of which are in respective image planes at predetermined distances from said object.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of forming images of an object comprising the steps of illuminating the object with monochromatic raDiation such that individual points of the object are sources of secondary radiation, providing an optical tunnel means dimensioned according to the relationship L n (2d2/ lambda ), where L is its length, d is the width, lambda is the wavelength of the irradiance within said tunnel means, and n is an integer, positioning said tunnel means in optical alignment with said object such that virtual images of said object are formed in the object plane, and transmitting said secondary radiation throughout the length of said tunnel means such that said tunnel means forms identical images of said object at predetermined distances from said object.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of forming images of an object comprising the steps of illuminating the object with monochromatic raDiation such that individual points of the object are sources of secondary radiation, providing an optical tunnel means dimensioned according to the relationship L n (2d2/ lambda ), where L is its length, d is the width, lambda is the wavelength of the irradiance within said tunnel means, and n is an integer, positioning said tunnel means in optical alignment with said object such that virtual images of said object are formed in the object plane, and transmitting said secondary radiation throughout the length of said tunnel means such that said tunnel means forms identical images of said object at predetermined distances from said object.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said object is illuminated with coherent, monochromatic radiation such that Fourier images of said object are formed, each of which are in respective image planes at predetermined distances from said object.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said object is illuminated with incoherent, monochromatic radiation such that Fourier and Fresnel images of said object are formed, each of said Fourier images are in respective image planes at predetermined distances from said object and said Fresnel images are formed in certain other image planes at predetermined distances from said object.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said Fresnel images are optically true images of said object and multiple images of said object are formed in each of said Fresnel image planes.
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) | 1977-08-26 | 1978-02-25 | 1978-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-26 | 1982-02-25 | 1982-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-26 | 1986-02-25 | 1986-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |