US4925301A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for sensing the figure of optical elements
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1988-11-17
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Granted: 1990-05-15
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Expires: 2008-11-17
Abstract
Abstract A laser source 28 and curvature matching optics 30 cooperate to generate a probe beam 32 having a generally Gaussian phase front with a given radius of curvature. The probe beam is reflected off of the surface of a primary mirror 12 and the differences, if any, between the radii of curvature of the probe beam 32 and mirror surface is detected by detector array 38. Suitable feedback circuitry can be employed to drive the actuators of segments 16-22 to provide the mirror 12 with the desired figure.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerard L. Rafanelli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 17:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/24; G01B11/255
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
In an apparatus having an optical element with a curved surface, the improvement comprising: light source means for generating a probe beam having a phase front with a desired curvature; first means for directing the curved probe beam towards the curved surface along a first path; and second means for detecting characteristics of the beam reflected from the surface to determine the relative differences between the curvatures of the beam and the optical surface and producing an output representative thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
In an apparatus having an optical element with a curved surface, the improvement comprising: light source means for generating a probe beam having a phase front with a desired curvature; first means for directing the curved probe beam towards the curved surface along a first path; and second means for detecting characteristics of the beam reflected from the surface to determine the relative differences between the curvatures of the beam and the optical surface and producing an output representative thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said optical surface is defined by a plurality of mirror segments having actuators associated therewith, and wherein third means are provided for driving the actuators to change the shape of the optical surface as a function of the output of the second means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improvement of claim 1 which further comprises: focal plane optics of a surveillance sensor positioned to receive light reflected from the optical surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improvement of claim 1 which further comprises a directed energy weapon source for reflecting a high energy beam off of the optical surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein the light source means comprises a laser source and matching optics means for generating a generally Gaussian phase front having a desired radius of curvature.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said second means includes an interferometric detector array.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
In an optical system having a primary mirror with a centrally located aperture therein and a secondary mirror positioned relative to the primary mirror, and in which the primary mirror is formed of a plurality of segments having actuators for deforming the shape thereof to thereby define the figure of the reflecting surface of the primary mirror, the improvement comprising: means for using the characteristics of a generally Gaussian beam reflected off of the reflecting surface of the primary mirror to drive the actuators until the figure of the primary mirror has substantially the same radii of curvature as the beam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
101 words
In an optical system having a primary mirror with a centrally located aperture therein and a secondary mirror positioned relative to the primary mirror, and in which the primary mirror is formed of a plurality of segments having actuators for deforming the shape thereof to thereby define the figure of the reflecting surface of the primary mirror, the improvement comprising: means for using the characteristics of a generally Gaussian beam reflected off of the reflecting surface of the primary mirror to drive the actuators until the figure of the primary mirror has substantially the same radii of curvature as the beam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The improvement of claim 7 wherein the Gaussian beam passes through the aperture in the primary mirror and is reflected off of the secondary mirror onto the reflecting surface of the primary mirror
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 7 which further comprises: detector means, disposed outside of the primary mirror aperture for receiving the beam reflected therethrough off of the mirror surfaces.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
59 words
A method comprising: generating a probe beam having a phase front with a desired curvature; directing the probe beam along a first path to a curved surface of an optical element; and detecting characteristics of the probe beam reflected from the curved surface to thereby measure the relative differences between the curvatures of the beam and the optical surface.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
59 words
A method comprising: generating a probe beam having a phase front with a desired curvature; directing the probe beam along a first path to a curved surface of an optical element; and detecting characteristics of the probe beam reflected from the curved surface to thereby measure the relative differences between the curvatures of the beam and the optical surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the probe beam is a laser beam having a generally Gaussian phase front.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the reflected beam is coincident with the first path if the curvatures of the beam and optical surface are the same, and wherein the method further comprises: adaptively controlling the shape of the optical element until the reflected beam is coincident with the first path.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-05-14 | 1993-11-13 | 1994-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-05-14 | 1997-11-13 | 1998-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-05-14 | 2001-11-13 | 2002-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |