Abstract In the use of laser beams for alignment applications, such as surveying or range finding, the laser beam may be projected for a considerable distance through an ambient medium having a variation in its index of refraction. This will cause the laser beam to deviate from the desired straight line of reference during the surveying operation. The invention utilizes a laser beam having two or more beam components of different frequencies, respectively. If the laser beam deviates from the straight line of reference, the deviation of the beam components will be different and the spacing between the beam components at a distant point can be measured. From this spacing of the beam components, the correct straight line of reference can be determined and fixed relative to the position of one or more of the beam components.
Inventors
👤 Karl Gerhard Hernqvist
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-09 05:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C15/00; G01C15/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for determining an accurate alignment of a laser beam, said method comprising initially projecting a laser beam of coherent light having a Plurality of components of different frequencies along a path of alignment through an ambient medium having a varied index of refraction, at a position along said path of alignment detecting the components of the laser beam, and at said position measuring the separation of said beam components.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for determining an accurate alignment of a laser beam, said method comprising initially projecting a laser beam of coherent light having a Plurality of components of different frequencies along a path of alignment through an ambient medium having a varied index of refraction, at a position along said path of alignment detecting the components of the laser beam, and at said position measuring the separation of said beam components.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said laser beam has at least two beam components, at said position determining the distance delta of said path of alignment from the path of one of said beam components from said separation of said two beam components at said position and the indices of refraction respectively of said two beam components in said ambient medium at 0*C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method in accordance with claim 2, wherein said delta is determined by the relationship.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method in accordance with claim 3, wherein said one beam component is of lower frequency than said other beam component.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method in accordance with claim 4, wherein said laser beam is generated by a krypton laser and said beam components are of red and blue light respectively.