US4717240A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interferometeric beamsplitter
Assignee: Schneider Electric Systems USA Inc
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Filing: 1986-07-21
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Granted: 1988-01-05
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Expires: 2006-07-21
Abstract
Abstract Beamsplitter means for directing light in a Michelson interferometric drive and frequency sense scheme for use with a mechanical resonator. In a first embodiment a special prism is used. In a second embodiment a four-port coupler is used.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony C. Gilby
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 12:41
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/10; G02B27/14; G02B27/144; G01; G01L; G01L1/00; G01L1/10; G01L1/103; G01L1/16; G01L1/162; G01L1/167; G01L1/24; G01L9/00; G01L9/0001; G01L9/0008; G01L9/0022; G01L9/0023; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804; G02B6/2821
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
An optical beamsplitter device for use in communicating optical power to a resonant element, comprising: (a) a source of optical power; (b) a first light beam pathway for carrying said optical power to a beamsplitter; (c) means for dividing said first light beam pathway and said optical power into at least second and third interferometer light beams pathways, each carrying a portion of said optical power; and (d) means for communciating the optical power on said at least second and third light beam pathways to adjacent locations on the resonant element such that differential motion between these resonant element locations modulates at least a portion of said optical power by interferometry to produce a modulated optical power beam signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
An optical beamsplitter device for use in communicating optical power to a resonant element, comprising: (a) a source of optical power; (b) a first light beam pathway for carrying said optical power to a beamsplitter; (c) means for dividing said first light beam pathway and said optical power into at least second and third interferometer light beams pathways, each carrying a portion of said optical power; and (d) means for communciating the optical power on said at least second and third light beam pathways to adjacent locations on the resonant element such that differential motion between these resonant element locations modulates at least a portion of said optical power by interferometry to produce a modulated optical power beam signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 further including means for returning a portion of said modulated power along said first light beam pathway.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said beamspslitter is a prism beamsplitter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said beamsplitter includes at least one optical fiber splitter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said beamsplitter includes at least one integrated optic splitter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 further including means for directing a portion of the modulated optical power to the resonator so as to drive same into vibrative motion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
An optical prism beamsplitter for use in communicating optical power to a target, comprising a pyramid having a square base ABCD and apex H wherein edge DH is perpendicular to the ABCD plane further including one at least partially reflecting element lying in the BDH plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
An optical prism beamsplitter for use in communicating optical power to a target, comprising a pyramid having a square base ABCD and apex H wherein edge DH is perpendicular to the ABCD plane further including one at least partially reflecting element lying in the BDH plane.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of making a prism beamsplitter for communicating optical power, comprising the steps of: preparing an optically suitable cube, having corners A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, and having a partially reflecting element in the BDHF plane; removing outer material along the ABGH plane; and removing outer material along the BCHE plane.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of making a prism beamsplitter for communicating optical power, comprising the steps of: preparing an optically suitable cube, having corners A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, and having a partially reflecting element in the BDHF plane; removing outer material along the ABGH plane; and removing outer material along the BCHE plane.
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) | 1991-01-04 | 1991-07-06 | 1992-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-04 | 1995-07-06 | 1996-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-04 | 1999-07-06 | 2000-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |