US4896033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Array of optically-controlled elements for the diffusion of electromagnetic energy
Assignee: Thales SA
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Filing: 1989-01-17
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Granted: 1990-01-23
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Expires: 2009-01-17
Abstract
Abstract The main object of the invention is an array of optically-controlled elements for the diffusion of electromagnetic energy. The invention pertains to an array capable of diffracting the electromagnetic energy which illuminates it, certain elements of the said array being capable of modulation. The device according to the invention comprises photodetectors which can be used for the optical modulation of the emitting/reflecting elements, whether diffusing or diffracting. The optical modulation provides for the individual control of each radiating element up to very high frequencies. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be used to reduce the complexity of an array by doing away with the control wiring. The invention can be applied chiefly to the making of radar-testing devices, for example the simulation of bright points, the ultra-high-frequency tomography of the human body and the making of beacons.
Inventors
- 👤 Francois Gautier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 17:06
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q3/00; H01Q3/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A network for the controlled diffusion of electromagnetic energy, said network receiving a radioelectric wave of frequency f o from a first outside source and receiving a modulated light ray from a second outside source, said network comprising: photodetector means for receiving said light ray and converting said light ray to an electrical signal of frequency f m ; a dipole; a variable capacity diode connected between the two respective parts of said dipole; means for controlling the polarization of the variable capacity diode; and wherein said dipole receives said radioelectric wave of frequency of and said electric signal of frequency f m such that a modulated signal of frequency f=f o +Kf m is diffused from said dipole and said variable capacity diode omnidirectionally.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A network for the controlled diffusion of electromagnetic energy, said network receiving a radioelectric wave of frequency f o from a first outside source and receiving a modulated light ray from a second outside source, said network comprising: photodetector means for receiving said light ray and converting said light ray to an electrical signal of frequency f m ; a dipole; a variable capacity diode connected between the two respective parts of said dipole; means for controlling the polarization of the variable capacity diode; and wherein said dipole receives said radioelectric wave of frequency of and said electric signal of frequency f m such that a modulated signal of frequency f=f o +Kf m is diffused from said dipole and said variable capacity diode omnidirectionally.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
138 words
An array for the controlled diffusion of electromagnetic energy, said array comprising a plurality of networks, each network of said plurality of networks receiving a radioelectric wave of frequency f o from a first outside source and receiving a modulated light ray from a second outside source, each network comprising: photodetector means for receiving said light ray and converting said light ray to an electrical signal of frequency f m ; a dipole; a variable capacity diode connected between the two respective parts of said dipole; means for controlling the polarization of the variable capacity diode; and wherein said dipole receives said radioelectric wave of frequency f o and said electric signal of frequency f m such that a modulated signal of frequency f=f o +Kf m is diffused from said dipole and said variable capacity diode omnidirectionally.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
138 words
An array for the controlled diffusion of electromagnetic energy, said array comprising a plurality of networks, each network of said plurality of networks receiving a radioelectric wave of frequency f o from a first outside source and receiving a modulated light ray from a second outside source, each network comprising: photodetector means for receiving said light ray and converting said light ray to an electrical signal of frequency f m ; a dipole; a variable capacity diode connected between the two respective parts of said dipole; means for controlling the polarization of the variable capacity diode; and wherein said dipole receives said radioelectric wave of frequency f o and said electric signal of frequency f m such that a modulated signal of frequency f=f o +Kf m is diffused from said dipole and said variable capacity diode omnidirectionally.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An array according to claim 2, further comprising: amplification means, for amplification of said electrical signal f m , coupled to said dipole.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
An array according to claim 2, further comprising: a chamber enclosing said array; at least one laser located in said chamber; a laser beam defining device to direct the modulated light ray from said at least one laser to the photodetector means; and a control circuit connected to said at least one laser and said deflecting device, said control circuit controlling the frequency of said modulated light ray and properly orienting the laser beam deflecting device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network according to claim 1, wherein: when K equals ±1, amplitude modulation occurs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A network according to claim 1, wherein: when K is an integer, phase modulation occurs.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A network according to claim 1, further comprising: amplification means connected to said photodetector means and said dipole.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A network according to claim 7, wherein: said amplification means is a Darlington pair of transistors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network according to claim 1, wherein: the electromagnetic energy is ultra-high frequency energy.
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) | 1993-01-22 | 1993-07-24 | 1994-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-01-22 | 1997-07-24 | 1998-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-01-22 | 2001-07-24 | 2002-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |