Variable spectral resolution agile filter

• US 5,452,121 A
• Filed: 11/12/1993
• Issued: 09/19/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (Northrop Grumman Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Inventors: Hilgeman, Theodore W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Epps, Georgia Y.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lester, Evelyn A.
• Application Number:
  US08/151,019
• Time in Patent Office: 676 Days
• Field of Search: 359/260, 359/261, 359/263, 359/267, 359/317, 359/320, 356/352, 356/346
• US Class Current: 359/260
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/26 using multiple reflection, e.g. Fabry-Perot interferometer, variable interference filters
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/0147 based on thermo-optic effects G02F1/132 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/19 based on variable-reflection or variable-refraction elements not provided for in groups G02F1/015 - G02F1/169
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/213 Fabry-Perot type

Abstract

A variable spectral resolution agile filter has instantly adjustable spectral resolution with no required mechanical motion and a quickly adjustable center wavelength. Adjustment of the center wavelength is accomplished by reliable piezoelectric actuators. Adjustment of the spectral resolution is achieved by changing the finesse of the system, the finesse being governed by the reflectivity of the faces. By making one of the faces exhibit electrically variable reflectivity, the finesse of the system is instantly changeable, and thus the spectral resolution is also instantly changeable.

Claims

1. In a variable spectral resolution agile filter, comprising:

a pair of windows at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation; and

tuning means for adjusting an optical path length between said windows to thereby change a center wavelength of the filter, the improvement wherein;

said filter includes finesse varying means for varying a finesse of the filter in order to vary its spectral resolution.

2. A filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said finesse varying means comprises

a partially reflecting coating on one of said windows;

an electrically variable reflectance material on a surface of the other of said windows which faces said partially reflecting coating; and

means for electrically controlling the reflectance of said electrically variable reflectance material in order to vary the spectral resolution of said filter.

3. A filter as claimed in claim 2, wherein said tuning means comprises a piezoelectric actuator, and means for controlling an electric voltage applied to said actuator.

4. A filter as claimed in claim 2, wherein said electrically variable reflectance material is vanadium oxide.

5. A filter as claimed in claim 2, further comprising anti-reflection coatings on surfaces of said windows opposite to said first and second surfaces.