US4549204A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Diffraction limited imaging systems
Assignee: UK Secretary of State for Defence
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Filing: 1982-11-23
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Granted: 1985-10-22
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Expires: 2002-11-23
Abstract
Abstract An imaging system for obtaining information within the diffraction limit comprises an illuminating source of radiation, e.g. a laser. A lens system focuses radiation from a small area of an object onto a detector array in an image plane. The detectors measure the amplitude of the received radiation giving a matrix of information. This matrix is then inverted by a computer to reconstruct the image for observation on a cathode ray tube. The object is scanned by scanning the radiation or stepping the object.
Inventors
- 👤 Mario Bertero
- 👤 Edward R. Pike
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:24
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B21/00; G02B21/0004; G02B21/002; G02B27/00; G02B27/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
An imaging system for examining object details having a size approximating the diffraction limit of said imaging system comprising: means for illuminating a small area of an object with radiation; a lens system for focusing the illuminated area of said object onto an image plane to give both a geometric image and a diffraction pattern of the object;
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
58 words
An imaging system for examining object details having a size approximating the diffraction limit of said imaging system comprising: means for illuminating a small area of an object with radiation; a lens system for focusing the illuminated area of said object onto an image plane to give both a geometric image and a diffraction pattern of the object;
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
detector means for measuring the intensity or amplitude of the geometric image and diffraction pattern radiation in the image plane to obtain a matrix of information; and means connected to said detector means for inverting said matrix of information thereby generating an information signal for reconstructing an image of said illuminated area containing details of the object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
detector means for measuring the intensity or amplitude of the geometric image and diffraction pattern radiation in the image plane to obtain a matrix of information; and means connected to said detector means for inverting said matrix of information thereby generating an information signal for reconstructing an image of said illuminated area containing details of the object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An imaging system according to claim 1 further including means for reconstructing said image for observation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said lens system illuminates an area less than one wavelength of the illuminating radiation across.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 3 and including means for scanning the illuminating radiation relative to the object.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 4 wherein the scanning includes motors for moving the object in discrete steps.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 3 including a laser for illuminating the object.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the lens system receives radiation transmitted through the object.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the lens system receives radiation reflected off the surface of the object.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the detectors are discrete detectors arranged in a matrix array.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the detectors are formed by a target in a photo conductive electron tube.
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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) | 1988-10-21 | 1989-04-22 | 1989-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-10-21 | 1993-04-22 | 1993-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-10-21 | 1997-04-22 | 1997-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |