Optical sensor with Tx/Rx aperture sharing element (ASE) to block detection of the received active signal

US11835705B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Raytheon Company · US

Inventors

• Gerald P. Uyeno · Tucson, US
• Eric Rogala · Tucson, US
• Mark K. Lange · Tucson, US
• Sean D. Keller · Tucson, US
• Vanessa Reyna · Tucson, US
• Benn H. Gleason · Tucson, US
• Craig O. Shott · Benson, US
• Garret A. Odom · Tucson, US
• Jon E. Leigh · Tucson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 7, 2020
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2023
• Expiry date: Mar 21, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B27/283
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Optical sensors and particularly gimbaled optical sensors transmit an active signal at a given wavelength and receive passive signals over a range of wavelengths while controlling pointing without benefit of measuring and locating the active signal return. The sensor includes a Tx/Rx Aperture Sharing Element (ASE) is configured to block the received active signal (e.g. reflections off a target in a scene) and process only the passive emissions. These optical sensors may, for example, be used with guided munitions or autonomous vehicles.