Laser ranging and detection system employing a geometric coherent/incoherent beam separator
First Claim
1. A laser ranging and detection system comprising:
- a laser for directing a coherent outgoing beam along a first path;
telescope means positioned in said first path, for receiving said coherent outgoing beam and for passing incoherent backscattered light;
focal means positioned between said laser and telescope means for focussing said coherent outgoing beam so as to create a reduced beam waist cross section at a focal plane; and
beam separating means coincident with said focal plane and positioned in said first path between said focal means and said telescope means, said beam separating means including a reflective surface arranged to reflect said incoherent backscattered light to a second path and having an optical aperture in said first path, said optical aperture exhibiting cross section dimensions approximately equal to cross section dimensions of said reduced beam waist.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A laser ranging and detection system includes a laser for generating a coherent outgoing beam and a telescope. The telescope includes a primary mirror with an aperture for receiving the coherent outgoing beam and for passing an incoming, incoherent, backscattered light. A focal system is positioned between the laser and the telescope and focusses the coherent outgoing beam so as to create a reduced beam-waist cross section at a focal plane. A beam separator is positioned at the focal plane and in a first path between the focal system and the telescope. The beam separator includes a reflective surface arranged to reflect the incoherent backscattered light to a second path for detection. The beam separator further has an optical aperture positioned in the first path, that exhibits a cross sectional area approximately equal to the reduced beam-waist cross section. The size of the optical aperture is such that it enables the beam separator to reflect greater than 90 percent of incoming incoherent light to the detector.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A laser ranging and detection system comprising:
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a laser for directing a coherent outgoing beam along a first path; telescope means positioned in said first path, for receiving said coherent outgoing beam and for passing incoherent backscattered light; focal means positioned between said laser and telescope means for focussing said coherent outgoing beam so as to create a reduced beam waist cross section at a focal plane; and beam separating means coincident with said focal plane and positioned in said first path between said focal means and said telescope means, said beam separating means including a reflective surface arranged to reflect said incoherent backscattered light to a second path and having an optical aperture in said first path, said optical aperture exhibiting cross section dimensions approximately equal to cross section dimensions of said reduced beam waist. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification