US4141652A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sensor system for detecting wavefront distortion in a return beam of light
Assignee: Adaptive Optics Associates Inc
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Filing: 1977-11-25
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Granted: 1979-02-27
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Expires: 1997-11-25
Abstract
Abstract An improved apparatus for sensing wavefront distortions in a return beam of light, such as a beam returned through a turbulent atmosphere or through an imperfect optical system from a radiating or illuminated object is disclosed. This apparatus includes the components typically present in a Hartmann-type wavefront sensor, and additionally includes means to provide a modulated reference beam of light which is combined with the return beam. The use of a modulated reference beam eliminates the necessity for precise optical alignment, which is difficult or impossible to maintain in most operating environments.
Inventors
- 👤 Julius M. Feinleib
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J9/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for sensing wavefront distortions in a return beam of light from an irradiated or selfilluminated object, comprising, in combination: a. means for emitting a modulated reference light beam; b. means for combining said return beam with said modulated reference light beam to form a combined light beam; c. means for dividing said combined light beam into a plurality of subaperture components; d. photosensitive means for detecting the position of light beams focused thereon; e. means for focusing each of said plurality of subaperture components of said combined light beam onto said photosensitive means for detecting; and f. electronic means for determining the wavefront tilt of said target return beam from the relative positions of the target-return and modulated reference light beams for each of said plurality of subaperture components.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for sensing wavefront distortions in a return beam of light from an irradiated or selfilluminated object, comprising, in combination: a. means for emitting a modulated reference light beam; b. means for combining said return beam with said modulated reference light beam to form a combined light beam; c. means for dividing said combined light beam into a plurality of subaperture components; d. photosensitive means for detecting the position of light beams focused thereon; e. means for focusing each of said plurality of subaperture components of said combined light beam onto said photosensitive means for detecting; and f. electronic means for determining the wavefront tilt of said target return beam from the relative positions of the target-return and modulated reference light beams for each of said plurality of subaperture components.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 additionally including means for generating an a.c. signal output from said combined light beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for generating an a.c. signal output comprise a nutation mirror.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for dividing and said means for focusing comprise an array of lenslets positioned in the path of said combined light beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said photosensitive means comprises an array of position sensor detectors, each being positioned to receive the focus beams of one lenslet in said array of lenslets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for emitting a modulated reference light beam comprises a laser which emits light having a plane wavefront and means for amplitude modulating said laser beam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said array of position sensor detectors comprises an array of quad cells.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for dividing comprises a faceted mirror.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said faceted mirror is mounted on a nutation drive and thereby serves as means for superimposing an a.c. signal on said combined beam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
82 words
In the method of determining the wavefront tilt in a sample light beam by passing said sample light beam through a focusing lens to focus it onto a quad cell detector: The improvement of combining said sample beam with a modulated reference light beam prior to passing it through said focusing lens whereby the relative positions of the focused sample and reference and said light beams on said quad cell detector is indicative of the wavefront tilt in said sample light beam.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
82 words
In the method of determining the wavefront tilt in a sample light beam by passing said sample light beam through a focusing lens to focus it onto a quad cell detector: The improvement of combining said sample beam with a modulated reference light beam prior to passing it through said focusing lens whereby the relative positions of the focused sample and reference and said light beams on said quad cell detector is indicative of the wavefront tilt in said sample light beam.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improvement of claim 10 wherein said reference beam is a beam of laser light having a plane wavefront.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement of claim 11 additionally including nutation of said combined beam to impose an a.c. signal thereon.
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) | 1982-02-26 | 1982-08-28 | 1983-02-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-02-26 | 1986-08-28 | 1987-02-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-02-26 | 1990-08-28 | 1991-02-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |