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Single element hemispherical light detector

  • US 5,886,351 A
  • Filed: 02/20/1998
  • Issued: 03/23/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/23/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A light detector that provides a response signal based on the intensity of light incident from any direction within a predetermined sector, comprising:

  • a base having a surface formed of a diffusely reflective material that defines a reflective region that faces the predetermined sector;

    a mask spaced a predetermined distance from the reflective region and located between the base and the predetermined sector such that, when light is incident at an angle normal to the base surface, the mask occludes a portion of the reflective region; and

    a sensor, responsive to incident light, that generates the response signal based on the intensity of light that it receives and that is located to intercept light reflections from the base surface,wherein the base surface, the mask and the sensor are configured such that response of the light detector is substantially uniform independent of the cosine of the angle of incidence of light received from within the predetermined sector.

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