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Optical systems and methods using microelectromechanical-systems mirrors exceeding thirty microns

  • US 7,732,751 B2
  • Filed: 04/28/2007
  • Issued: 06/08/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An optical system for dynamically determining radiation characteristics, including associated angular direction throughout a specified range of angular directions, of an external article in a volume outside the system;

  • said optical system comprising;

    an optical detector;

    an entrance aperture;

    an afocal element, associated with the aperture, for enlarging or reducing the field of regard of such external article and such volume as seen by the detector; and

    disposed along an optical path between the detector and the entrance aperture, at least one mirror, rotatable about plural axes, for causing the detector to address varying portions of such volume outside the optical system;

    each mirror of the at least one mirror is a microelectromechanical mirror having dimensions in a range exceeding thirty microns;

    wherein, due to said enlarging or reducing of the field of regard together with rotation of the at least one mirror, such external article is visible to the detector throughout the specified range, substantially without changing magnitude of said enlarging or reducing.

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